She always feels it in her stomach.

hollowing anguish, coiling around her guts, taking up every space, rough and sore.

It’s shock at first, smothering all other emotions.

Shock is followed by betrayal, anger, and cold-hearted resolve.

Tears keep falling and falling, wetting her hands, clothes, her phone, and their smiling faces.

Then she thinks it’s clear enough. He has a new love and a new life, and isn’t it better and easier if he doesn’t have to ...