Gemotions

A tremor ran through Leo’s hands as he walked into the community center. His digital art, a series of vibrant portraits of local wildlife, was projected onto the main wall. His friends had insisted he come, but he'd been hesitant, and now, the sight made him want to bolt. He unconsciously brushed a strand of hair from his forehead.

He felt the weight of every eye, even those that weren't looking at him. Whispers of admiration or, worse, criticism, seemed to fill the air. He scanned the room, noticing a slight smirk on the face of a man he knew from the art club. It made his stomach clench.

He picked at a loose thread on his jacket. He wanted to shout, "It wasn't supposed to be like this!" He kept his gaze averted, fixated on the floor.