Gemotions

The jazz music in the dimly lit bar seemed to amplify the internal pressure building inside Leo. He’d been anticipating this date with Sarah for weeks, yet he found himself fidgeting, constantly adjusting his collar. She was telling a story about her recent trip to the coast, and every detail, from the quirky café she frequented to the specific seashell she'd found, was strikingly similar to a tale he'd heard from another woman just last month. He took a long, slow sip of his whiskey, the burn doing little to soothe his rising agitation.

Sarah's smile faltered slightly as he cut her off, his voice sharper than intended. “That’s… interesting.” He pushed away from the table, claiming he needed some air, and stepped outside. The cool night air offered little relief. His palms were slick with sweat. He lit a cigarette, the flame of the lighter reflecting the flicker of doubt in his mind.