Gemotions

I saw him across the room, already surrounded by well-wishers. I immediately changed course, veering toward the buffet table, suddenly ravenous. I stacked a plate high with food, not even tasting it, simply needing something to do with my hands.

My eyes darted around the room, always seeking his location, always calculating my path to avoid him. I felt like I was navigating a minefield, each step fraught with the potential for disaster. Even the simple act of eating felt wrong. I was aware of every chew, every swallow, every crumb that landed on my dress.

My appetite vanished. I moved away from the buffet table, abandoning the half-eaten plate. I felt a growing sense of panic. The room seemed to be closing in, the noise amplifying, the faces blurring. I sought the exit, longing for fresh air and solitude.