Gemotions

The room seemed to shrink, closing in on him. He felt as though he couldn't get enough air. Every noise, every conversation, was magnified. He had thought he’d moved on. He'd even thought, perhaps, that she had too. He watched as she took her place with the bridal party.

The best man began his speech. The words seemed to drone on, a meaningless string of pleasantries that grated against his nerves. He found himself gripping the edge of the table, his knuckles bone-white. He felt the familiar ache in his jaw as he clenched his teeth.

He quickly stood up. He mumbled an apology to the people nearby and made his way to the door.