Gemotions

"Just breathe," Maya whispered, her voice barely audible. Her chest felt constricted, as if a vise were slowly tightening. The coffee shop buzzed with a chaotic energy, a symphony of chatter and clinking cups, but it all seemed to fade into a background noise. She clenched her fists so tightly that her nails dug into her palms, a small, grounding pain. Across the table, Liam, her best friend, chattered animatedly, oblivious to the storm brewing within her. His enthusiasm about the job seemed to amplify the pressure that was mounting inside her, pushing her to the brink.