Gemotions

The ocean's roar, usually soothing, now felt like a mocking echo of the storm raging inside him. Leo stared at the crashing waves, the salty spray stinging his face, but he barely registered it. He’d seen the messages on his phone this afternoon, a flurry of texts and photos. His girlfriend, Clara, with another man.

He felt a profound sense of disorientation. He had walked down to the beach, needing space, but the vast expanse of the ocean offered no solace. The sun, once a source of comfort, felt like a spotlight on his pain. He felt a tightening in his chest.

He dug his toes into the sand. He looked around him, seeing couples, laughing children, all seemingly at peace, and his desolation grew. He felt isolated, adrift, lost at sea. He closed his eyes.