Gemotions

The gallery lights seemed to hum, a sound only she could hear, or perhaps it was just the blood thrumming in her ears. She scanned the crowd, each face a blur, a potential thief of her vision. Her stomach churned, a cold knot tightening with every passing moment.

A woman with fiery red hair, a shade close to the canvas hanging a few feet away, smiled at her. The artist quickly looked away, her breath hitched. This person could be watching, studying.

She had to get out. The air felt thick, heavy, like it was pressing in. The exit was across the room, an impossible distance. She grabbed her coat and practically bolted.