Gemotions

The music was too loud, the laughter too boisterous. He found himself trapped in a conversation with his father’s colleagues. He struggled to follow the thread of the discussion, his mind elsewhere, consumed by the upcoming speech. His heart rate had visibly quickened.

He excused himself and fled to the bathroom, seeking a moment of respite. He splashed cold water on his face, hoping to shock himself back to composure. He caught his reflection in the mirror, his face pale, his eyes wide, reflecting a state of pure terror.

He took a deep breath, trying to calm the rising tide. The emcee's voice, announcing his name, cut through the din. He braced himself, steeling his nerves. He left the bathroom, dreading the walk back to the party, each step heavier than the last.