Gemotions

The party music pounded in his ears, a relentless, throbbing reminder of his isolation. He navigated the crowded room, a sea of chattering strangers. He'd spotted Maria, his childhood confidante, across the way. He'd approached, eager to reconnect. Her reaction? A polite smile and a mumbled, "I don't think we know each other."

He felt a tightness in his chest, a sensation of being physically squeezed. He grabbed a glass of champagne, the bubbles doing nothing to lighten his mood. He desperately needed to escape the relentless joy radiating from the party. He wanted to scream.