Gemotions

The cozy coffee shop, with its soft lighting and gentle music, had become a prison. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, which had seemed inviting earlier, was now making her nauseous. The guy was telling a tale of "misadventures," word-for-word identical to the last date. He even laughed in the same way.

She put down her untouched latte, the ceramic mug suddenly feeling heavy in her hands. She felt a cold sweat break out on her forehead. The conversation, the shared interests, the easy smiles - it was all a carefully constructed facade.

"I have to use the restroom," she said, her voice trembling slightly. But she didn't intend to return.