Gemotions

The weight of expectation pressed down on her. She had tried to prepare, writing and rewriting the speech, but the task still felt enormous. She sat alone in the bathroom, her hands clasped tightly in her lap, willing the anxiety to subside. The floral wallpaper began to twist and blur, the smell of soap and air freshener suddenly choking.

She felt a hot flush creep over her skin. She stared at her reflection in the mirror, searching for a sign of composure she didn't possess. Each breath felt labored, as if her lungs were refusing to cooperate. She knew she had to go back out there, but the thought filled her with dread.