Gemotions

The party thrummed with a frenetic energy, but Emily felt like she was standing outside of it. Conversations buzzed around her, meaningless and hollow. She kept circling the buffet table, picking at the same cluster of grapes. Her eyes kept darting toward the entryway, seeking out a familiar face.

Daniel was the reason she was here. He’d insisted, bragging about the networking opportunities afforded by his "executive position" at the financial firm. She had always found his tales intriguing, his air of accomplishment… and she’d been drawn in.

His story about a late-night conference call had been too perfect, the timing too convenient. She scanned the room, looking for his familiar face, as well as the faces of his colleagues. They were missing, somehow.