Gemotions

The room seemed to spin, colors blurring into a kaleidoscopic mess. Sarah’s carefully applied makeup felt like a mask, heavy and uncomfortable on her face. Seeing Ben, laughing with a group of friends, the way he always had, sent a jolt of pure, unadulterated pain through her.

She excused herself from her current conversation, a clumsy phrase about needing some air escaping her lips. She maneuvered through the throng of people, a sudden tightness in her chest making it difficult to breathe. She found herself outside, leaning against the cool brick wall of the building.

The night air offered little solace. She wanted to scream.