Gemotions

The floral arrangements, once so beautiful, now appeared to taunt Sarah with their vibrancy. Every brightly colored petal seemed to amplify the buzzing anxiety that had taken root in her. She kept staring at the food, but the catered meal was suddenly unappetizing.

She had arrived early, hoping to find a quiet space, to brace herself. The early-bird tactic hadn't worked. She was surrounded by people, and she felt exposed. She felt every single muscle in her body tense, anticipating an unwelcome encounter.

Then she saw him – a flicker of movement across the room. She felt her stomach drop, a dizzying sensation of falling.