Gemotions

The email notification popped up on her phone, a tiny, glowing square in the darkness of the movie theater. Her breath hitched. The screen's light seemed to illuminate a spotlight right on her, making her feel as if everyone would be looking at her. She fumbled with the phone, her fingers clumsy, trying to silence it.

She quickly exited the app and hid her phone back in her purse. The movie seemed distant, the sounds and images failing to register. Her heart skipped a beat, then another, a jittery, irregular rhythm. She felt a wave of heat wash over her, starting at her neck and spreading to her face.

She excused herself from her friends, mumbling something about needing air. Outside, the cool night air offered little solace. The streetlights seemed to cast long, ominous shadows, and the familiar sounds of the city sounded amplified, threatening.