Gemotions

"Oh, no," she whispered, her voice barely audible. Her chest tightened, making it difficult to breathe. The room spun around her, and she squeezed her eyes shut, hoping it was just a bad dream. It wasn't. He was there, standing directly across the room.

She took a step back, bumping into a table. A glass of wine toppled, shattering on the floor. She mumbled an apology, mortified, but mostly just wishing the floor would open up and swallow her whole.

She was suddenly acutely aware of every flaw, every imperfection. She felt exposed, vulnerable, as if everyone could see the fear etched on her face. Her throat clenched, making it impossible to speak.