Gemotions

"Oh, good God," Leo muttered under his breath. He saw her near the dessert table, her back to him. The elaborate floral arrangement on the table seemed to sway in his vision. He hadn't been prepared for this. He'd thought he was past all this.

He fumbled with his napkin, wiping at a nonexistent smudge on his cheek. The perfectly arranged buffet, the meticulously planned seating, the joyous atmosphere - it all seemed to shrink around him. The air seemed thin, hard to breathe. He needed to get out of there.

He contemplated a hasty retreat, disappearing into the crowd, but then she turned. Their eyes met. The color drained from his face. He felt like a deer caught in headlights. The smile he forced onto his face felt brittle, false.