Gemotions

He wanted to scream. The sheer volume of it all, the loud music, the packed room, the sticky floors – it was all too much. She’d been enjoying herself, flitting from group to group, animated and excited. He was stuck in the corner.

The worst part was that they remembered it so differently. She'd called it the "best party ever!" He, on the other hand, remembered the oppressive heat, the crush of bodies, the overpowering odor of cheap beer.

His stomach clenched, and he felt a headache coming on. Sarah was telling the story, reliving every moment of fun and joy. He barely spoke, instead trying to focus on his breathing. He had wanted to leave early, to escape the noise and the sweaty atmosphere. He took a deep, shuddering breath and excused himself, claiming a sudden need to be alone.