Gemotions

Sarah fiddled with the beaded fringe of her dress, her fingers a frantic blur. The champagne flute in her hand trembled, sloshing a little liquid down the side. Her breath hitched. The air conditioning blasted, but she still felt a prickle of sweat breaking out across her forehead.

The speaker before her droned on, and Sarah found herself tapping her foot, a restless rhythm against the polished floor. It felt like an eternity before the man finally yielded the stage. Her heart leaped into her throat when the emcee announced her name.

She rose slowly, the room tilting slightly. Her vision narrowed. She took a deep, shaky breath, desperately trying to calm the runaway train of thoughts. She knew she needed to be witty, charming. But right now, the only thing she felt was the urgent need to bolt.