Gemotions

He stared at the menu, the words blurring before his eyes. "Grandma Elsie’s Famous Chili." Daniel’s chest constricted, a band tightening around his ribcage. It wasn't "Grandma Elsie's," it was his, it was his grandmother's, it was his!

His vision tunneled, the other diners seemed to fade away, their chatter replaced by a deafening silence within his own head. He felt a hot flush creep up his neck, spreading to his face, a burning sensation of shame and disbelief. He felt a sudden, desperate urge to flee, to get away from this place of injustice.

He pushed back his chair, the scraping sound echoing in his ears. He needed air, needed to be anywhere but here. Each step was labored, each breath a struggle.