Gemotions

The dance floor was a swirling kaleidoscope of color and motion. Clara, however, remained rooted to the spot, her smile feeling brittle and false. The beat of the music seemed to vibrate directly through her bones, unsettling her. She clutched her clutch purse like a life raft.

She'd spent the entire night strategizing, meticulously planning the precise routes she would take to avoid a specific person. Every corner she turned, every glance she stole, was carefully calculated. It was a tiring game, but she felt compelled to play it.

And then, there he was. He raised his hand in a casual wave, his expression open and friendly. Clara’s carefully constructed defenses crumbled. Her vision blurred momentarily.