Gemotions

I sat at the table, watching him across from me. He was telling her a story, animated, his eyes alight with enthusiasm. I’d heard that story before. I’d heard all of it before. The funny anecdote about his dog, the grand plans for the future.

The woman across from him, she was laughing. A bright, genuine laugh that I’d been sure was reserved for me. She wore a necklace he’d given to me last month.

The feeling was a heavy, suffocating weight. I felt like I was drowning. My throat constricted. I pushed my plate away, unable to eat, unable to speak. I wanted to leave, but my feet felt rooted to the floor.