Gemotions

"Just breathe," Michael muttered under his breath, repeating the mantra he'd been using all day. He’d told himself he was over her, that the past was the past. But then he saw Chloe’s laugh from across the room and those lies seemed to shatter. He'd even considered not coming, but now, trapped, the decision felt like a fatal mistake.

He awkwardly made his way through the crowd, bumping into people and muttering apologies. Every conversation, every shared joke he saw Chloe have, felt like a personal affront. His palms were slick with perspiration. He felt lightheaded, as if the air had been stolen from the room.

He saw Chloe notice him, a subtle widening of her eyes, a fleeting smile. He had to say something, anything. He began to approach, his feet feeling like lead weights, the words he had rehearsed fleeing his mind.