Gemotions

He adjusted his tie for the tenth time. It was a stupid tie, a gift from his aunt, a garish shade of green. He’d wanted to wear something more understated, but his mother had insisted. He felt like everyone was looking at him, judging him.

"You look great, man!" his friend, Jake, greeted him, clapping him on the back. He flinched, even though Jake’s intention was friendly. He plastered a smile on his face, a little too wide, a little too strained.

The music was too loud, the chatter overwhelming. He kept catching his reflection in the windows, scrutinizing his posture, his expression. He wondered what people were thinking. Did he seem like a complete idiot? He wished he could just disappear.