The notification popped up on Karen’s facebook feed, alongside a little cartoon heart:
John Roberts is now in a relationship with Rebecca Owen.
Karen’s stomach gave an all-too-familiar lurch, twisting itself into a knot and leaving a hollow, aching pit. Suddenly the dish of sliced apples which she’d carefully peanut-buttered and arranged on a plate didn’t look appetizing. She sat numbly, one clammy hand on the mouse, the other flat on the table.
She let out a jagged breath. There it was. John had moved on. Why couldn’t she?
Karen stood up and stumbled away from the computer. That low ache, the bitter melange of hurt, regret and jealousy, churned in her belly. She wanted to curl up on the floor and cry.
No, god-damn it. No more crying. She went out to the porch.
Matt Kincade 