Gemotions

The flickering gaslight cast elongated shadows across the cobbled alley. Elias clenched his jaw, the damp chill doing nothing to quell the heat rising in his chest. He’d seen her, *her*, holding hands with another man just moments ago. He straightened his shoulders, pulling his worn coat tighter. This was his moment.

He'd waited for years, dreaming about this exact scenario. Now, the weight of the moment settled heavy. He would not stand for this deceit. With a purposeful stride, he rounded the corner, his heart hammering against his ribs. The man, a smug-looking fellow with a neatly trimmed moustache, turned, a surprised expression on his face. "Are you…?"

"Yes," Elias declared, his voice surprisingly steady, "I am. And she's with *me*." He held his gaze, his fists balled.