Gemotions

The gallery lights felt intensely bright, beating down on Elias's face. He tugged at the collar of his shirt, a tight, itchy feeling crawling up his neck. His palms were slick against the smooth surface of the champagne flute he clutched. The room buzzed with chatter, each syllable a pinprick against his eardrums. He hadn't expected so many people. He hadn't expected *any* people. He wished he could disappear into the ornate wallpaper.

A woman with a flamboyant hat approached, her eyes scanning the art. Elias averted his gaze, focusing on a crack in the pristine white wall. He felt a tremor in his stomach, a sudden lurch like a dropped elevator. "Magnificent, isn't it?" the woman chirped, her voice piercing the din. Elias swallowed, managing a weak smile. He wanted to run.