Gemotions

Her palms were sweating as she watched him from across the dance floor. The way he effortlessly moved, the easy grace of his smile. She was there with her new boyfriend, but she felt his presence only as a dull ache. All of her attention was elsewhere.

Each time he danced with another woman, she felt a pinprick of discomfort. Her words felt stilted, her laughter forced, and she felt a strong, sudden impulse to walk over and interrupt.

She ended up excusing herself for a moment, and went to find some air outside. The cool night offered little relief, however. All she could feel was a heavy weight settled on her chest, a pressing, suffocating feeling.