Gemotions

The office seemed to shrink around him, the walls closing in. He focused on breathing. It was all he could do. Across the room, Carol was regaling everyone with stories of the "best summer ever" at Camp Firefly. Kevin's chest felt tight.

He had to get away, but his legs wouldn't obey. His knuckles were white against the edge of his desk. He could feel the blood rushing in his ears, a deafening roar that drowned out Carol's voice.

He saw her gesturing, describing some specific event, and a wave of nausea washed over him. He knew he had to interject. The only sound that came out was a strangled, “No…”

He stumbled out of his chair and made a beeline for the exit, not looking back. He needed to breathe. He needed to be alone.