Gemotions

The ballroom seemed to shrink. He felt a surge of energy, a heightened awareness of his surroundings. He found himself picking at the threads on his napkin, the texture a familiar anchor. Everything seemed amplified: the shimmer of the chandelier, the clinking of silverware, the nervous flutter in his own chest.

He saw her across the room, talking animatedly with a group of friends. He willed himself to remain calm, but every instinct screamed to flee. He reached for his phone, pretending to check messages. His fingers fumbled clumsily on the screen.

He knew he should approach, offer a casual greeting, act like it was no big deal. But his feet remained rooted to the spot, a silent battle raging within him.