Gemotions

The reflection in the polished steel doors was not reassuring. Brian saw a stranger staring back at him, eyes wide and unfocused, hair plastered to his forehead. He hadn't felt like this since… well, since forever. He hated this feeling of being out of control.

He fiddled with his tie, loosening it until it hung limp against his shirt. He knew he should try to talk, to distract himself, but the words wouldn’t come. His throat felt constricted, and his chest was heavy. He glanced at his coworker, the woman he secretly had a crush on, and then quickly looked away, mortified by his own vulnerability.

He took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves, but the air felt thin and stale.