Gemotions

He was there, leaning against the bar, a tall, dark silhouette against the shimmering backdrop of the dance floor. Maya felt a bead of sweat trickle down her back. A knot tightened in her chest. Everything had been going so well, so *independently*, until this moment.

She reached for another mini-quiche, the salty flavor doing little to soothe the growing unease. She hadn’t realized how much her sense of self relied on his approval.

Her fingers fidgeted with her clutch. She wanted to dash to the restroom, to lock herself away from his sight. She felt a familiar pull to the familiar, to the comfort he provided, even when that comfort had been stifling.