Gemotions

He caught sight of her, and the carefully constructed mask he wore slipped, just for a moment. He quickly re-composed himself, but the damage was done. His chest felt constricted, as if a vise were tightening around it.

He tried to focus on the conversation he was having, but the words felt foreign, the meaning lost. His thoughts were fragmented, scattered. He found himself repeatedly glancing in her direction, unable to resist the magnetic pull.

He took a deep breath, trying to regain control. He excused himself, citing a need for fresh air. He walked outside, the cool night air hitting his face. He leaned against a tree, closing his eyes. His pulse hammered in his ears, a relentless reminder of her presence.