Gemotions

He felt his throat constrict. He took a hasty step backward, bumping into a waiter carrying a tray of appetizers. Apologies flew from his mouth before he even fully registered what had happened. He avoided eye contact, focusing instead on the spilled miniature quiches, wishing fervently that the floor would open up and swallow him whole.

The festive atmosphere suddenly felt oppressive, the music too loud, the laughter grating. He considered abandoning the whole event. He could make his excuses, slip out unnoticed… but how would that look? He was trapped.