Gemotions

The coffee shop felt stifling, the air thick with the scent of burnt espresso and cloying pastries. He ran a hand through his already dishevelled hair. He saw her, across the room. He felt the blood begin to pound in his ears, and heat flash across his face.

The therapist, of all things. *His* therapist. The very one who had made his school life a living hell. She was sipping her coffee, oblivious to the turmoil she'd just caused him. He gripped his own cup so tightly, he was surprised it didn't shatter.

He was meant to be meeting her here. He'd thought his anxiety was bad *before*. Now his chest tightened. He tried to swallow, but his throat had suddenly closed up. He would have to leave.

He abruptly stood, knocking over his chair. The noise drew all eyes, including hers. He didn’t meet them. He bolted.