Gemotions

She sat at the edge of the dance floor, watching couples glide across the polished wood. Her hands felt clammy, and she surreptitiously rubbed them on her dress. The band was setting up for a new song, and she felt a fresh wave of panic.

She kept replaying the words, trying to imagine herself delivering them with poise. But the image felt impossible. She wished she had never agreed to do this.

Her name was announced, and she felt a jolt of energy. She stood up, her legs feeling like jelly. The spotlight seemed to intensify the heat that was rising in her face.