Gemotions

The anticipation of the party had morphed into a dull ache in David’s gut. The invitation, with its polite request, felt like a command. He’d always relied on others, on their guidance and their support. Now, he was expected to stand alone, to be the center of attention.

He found himself irritable and withdrawn. He snapped at his siblings, and picked fights with his partner. He was a tightly wound spring, ready to unravel. The thought of public speaking brought forth a primal fear.

As he approached the podium, his heart pounded in his chest. He felt a powerful urge to run, to escape the scrutiny of the crowd. He mumbled through his speech, his eyes darting back and forth, desperate to find an escape route.