Gemotions

The ballroom seemed to spin around Chloe. The bright lights felt too intense, the chatter of the guests a ceaseless, buzzing drone. She'd chosen a chair at the edge of the reception, attempting to fade into the periphery.

She watched, detached, as the bride and groom took to the floor. Then, amidst the crowd, she spotted him: Daniel. His presence, like a heavy weight, settled in her stomach.

He didn't see her. Not yet. Chloe closed her eyes, wishing, just for a moment, that she could simply cease to exist. When she opened them again, he was heading directly toward her, a forced smile plastered on his face.