Gemotions

The music seemed to grow louder, the lights brighter, as Michael caught sight of Rachel across the dance floor. A cold dread seeped into his bones, and a tremor ran through him. He felt his face flush as he tried to hide behind a half-eaten canapé. He felt suddenly vulnerable, exposed.

He tried to appear casual, as if he hadn’t noticed her. He found himself avoiding eye contact, desperate to remain unseen. The cheerful voices around him became an irritating buzz, a mocking chorus.

The feeling in his gut intensified, a twisting knot that made it hard to breathe. He wanted to disappear, to melt into the background. The joyous celebration, once appealing, now felt like a personal affront. He took a hasty step away from her line of sight.