Gemotions

The party was in full swing, music blaring, laughter echoing. But Sarah felt like she was standing on the edge of a chasm. Everyone was celebrating Mark's move, but all she felt was the sharp ache of loss.

She clutched her drink, the cold glass offering little comfort. Her smile felt fixed, a mask she struggled to maintain. She watched Mark move through the crowd, laughing, and a wave of something akin to nausea washed over her.

She excused herself and pushed through the mass of people, needing air, space, escape. The noise assaulted her, the flashing lights blinding. She found herself outside, leaning against the cool brick of the building, the party's noise now muffled, and almost distant.