Gemotions

The floral arrangements, once beautiful, now seemed to press in on him. The scent of lilies, once a favorite, now triggered a strange reaction. He found himself avoiding eye contact with everyone. He was acutely aware of every noise, every laugh. The clinking of glasses. The scraping of chairs. The band's overly cheerful music.

He sought the sanctuary of the men's room, anything to escape the stifling atmosphere of the party. The sterile air, the echoing silence, offered a momentary reprieve. He leaned against the cool tile wall, and just breathed.

Outside, he thought, the night was clear. The sky was filled with stars. And here, inside, he found himself utterly undone.