Gemotions

The cheerful chatter and laughter around him felt like a painful intrusion. As soon as he saw Chloe, his chest constricted, and he had to fight for every breath. The meticulously planned evening suddenly seemed like a cruel joke. He had hoped, he’d genuinely hoped, that this wouldn't bother him.

He was suddenly aware of every detail: the glittering chandeliers, the perfectly placed floral arrangements, the forced smiles of the other guests. He felt a sudden, desperate urge to flee, to vanish into the anonymity of the night. He forced a polite smile and nodded at a passing waiter, accepting a glass of champagne. He needed something, anything, to quiet the storm inside.