Gemotions

The party was supposed to be a celebration of their anniversary, but all he could feel was a dull ache in his chest. His wife, Maria, had just told him she had found a new church, a Pentecostal congregation, and the announcement felt like a seismic shift in their carefully constructed world. He watched her from across the room, smiling and talking to friends. He just hoped they wouldn't notice.

The music, usually a welcome distraction, now grated on his nerves. He picked up his glass of wine, staring at the swirling liquid, a dark reflection of his own confusion. The conversation around him felt distant, meaningless. He felt a deep sense of loss. He found himself avoiding his wife.

He excused himself, making a beeline for the balcony. The fresh air did little to soothe the tightness in his chest.