Gemotions

The ballroom seemed to shrink, the walls closing in as I saw her laughing with our mutual friend. I felt a sudden tightness in my chest, making it difficult to breathe. My vision blurred slightly, and the joyous music became a distant hum.

I took a step back, my heel catching on the carpet. My carefully applied makeup felt like a mask, and I was desperate to rip it off. I wanted to flee, to be anywhere but here, facing her again.

My voice emerged as a tiny squeak. "I... I need some air," I said, my words swallowed by the music. I pushed past the other guests, my arms stiff at my sides, desperate to break free from this suffocating bubble.