Gemotions

Eliza stared at the intricate patterns on the tablecloth, the floral design swimming before her eyes. The other woman, Rachel, was talking about a surprise trip. They had both been seeing the same man. Eliza tried to keep smiling, but her lips felt like stone.

Her phone vibrated in her hand. She ignored it. The champagne, normally a celebratory drink, tasted flat and metallic. The restaurant, filled with the murmur of conversations and the clinking of silverware, felt suddenly loud, the noise pressing in on her.

She had to get out. The air felt heavy, as if it was holding her down. Eliza slowly pushed her chair away from the table, and made a quick exit. She was spent.