Gemotions

His throat constricted, making it difficult to swallow. The restaurant, filled with the aroma of garlic and simmering sauces, suddenly felt suffocating. They’d been comparing notes on the extravagant promises from Daniel, promises that now seemed utterly hollow. Across the table, Alex's face was ashen. He felt a cold sweat break out across his forehead. His palms were slick. He just wanted to be anywhere else. He struggled to maintain eye contact, feeling the weight of the shared deception pressing down on him.