Gemotions

The car ride had been horrendous. Sarah's usual route was clogged with traffic, a minor irritant that was now exacerbating the general unease swirling in her stomach. She drummed her fingers on the steering wheel, the insistent tapping a counterpoint to the slow crawl. She needed to breathe, to relax. She was running late, which was not how she wanted the evening to start.

She was meeting "Alex" at his apartment. He was usually prompt. She'd been looking forward to a relaxing evening.

Pulling up to the curb, she saw a man standing outside, looking equally flustered. He was pacing and checking his phone.

"Alex?" she called out, leaning out the window.

The man turned, and his face lit up.

"Sarah! I'm so glad you're here, I was just..." He was cut off.

"Alex, honey, where have you been?" another woman called from inside the building. She was standing at the entrance.

Sarah felt her stomach clench.