Gemotions

The sports bar was loud and crowded, but the noise seemed to amplify the silence inside Kevin. He was staring at the half-eaten plate of nachos, the cheese cold and congealed. He'd been looking forward to this, the game, the shared beer, the relaxed conversation. He felt a pressure building behind his eyes.

He’d even bought a new jersey. He’d wanted to impress her. Now, she was nowhere in sight. He glanced at his phone again, another unanswered text. He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture rough and impatient. He had a sudden urge to just get up and leave, to escape the suffocating feeling.