Gemotions

The party music thumped, a rhythmic pulse that seemed to echo the frantic beating of his heart. Michael scanned the room, looking for his friend. The flashing lights and the mingling crowd, which had previously been exciting, now felt overwhelming. His eyes drifted to his phone, displaying the friend request. "Jessica Walker wants to be your friend."

He felt a sudden need to leave, to escape the noise and the energy. The festive mood of the party now seemed alien. He felt a shiver crawl down his spine. The past, which he thought he had buried, had resurrected. He felt a sense of panic rising inside him.

He clutched his phone tightly, his knuckles white. He should have left the phone at home, he thought. He felt exposed, vulnerable. The music throbbed around him. He took a deep breath, trying to force himself to relax.