Gemotions

Her stomach twisted into a painful knot. “Remember the talent show? The giant, inflatable dinosaur? It was a disaster,” Michael said, chuckling, describing the chaos of the event. He was painting a picture of a humiliating performance and stage fright. Emily's mouth went dry.

She remembered joy, an enthusiastic crowd, and the thrill of the spotlight. She pictured the laughter and the smiles. She found herself struggling to breathe. The words he spoke felt like a personal attack.

The palms of her hands became damp. She found herself staring, unable to focus on anything beyond her own mounting dread. Her vision began to tunnel, focusing only on Michael, on the alien story he was telling. She couldn't stay. She couldn't listen. She mumbled an apology and retreated, needing to get as far away as possible.