Gemotions

Rain hammered against the windows of the coffee shop, mirroring the frantic drumming in Daniel's chest. He stared at the barista, trying to appear calm as she handed him his latte, but his fingers trembled slightly, making the cup rattle in the saucer. He’d seen the photo last night, a seemingly innocuous post on his girlfriend, Chloe's, Instagram. A smiling Chloe, arm in arm with a man he’d never seen.

He knew he should confront her, demand answers, but the words felt like lead in his throat. He’d carefully crafted a life with her, a life he cherished, and now it felt as though the very foundation was shifting beneath his feet. He took a sip of the coffee, but the bitterness did nothing to ground him.

He was suddenly aware of the other patrons, their comfortable chatter, their easy smiles. He felt a vast distance separating him from them, a chasm of unease and dread. He felt like he was floating, untethered, and the sensation was unbearable. He stood, knocking over his chair.