Gemotions

The city bus rumbled to a halt. As Michael exited, he scanned the faces of those around him, his pulse quickening. He knew she'd be here; it was the weekly book club meeting they'd chatted about. He'd painted a picture of himself as a charming, well-traveled writer. He wasn't. He was unemployed, living with his parents.

He felt the familiar knot in his stomach tighten. The library, normally a place of solace, now felt like a prison. He spotted her near the fiction section, and his legs turned to lead. He felt exposed, stripped bare. He ducked his head, wanting nothing more than to disappear.