Gemotions

The concert hall blazed with light and excited chatter, but inside, I felt like I was wading through quicksand. I saw him across the room, Daniel, his dark hair catching the stage lights. He was laughing with a group of friends, his face animated, and I felt a pang of… something… in my stomach.

I gathered my courage and made my way through the throng, my palms slick with sweat. I tapped him on the shoulder, my throat suddenly dry.

He turned, his eyes widening slightly, and then, a frown. “I’m sorry, do I know you?” His voice was polite, but distant.

My carefully prepared greetings dissolved. A strange dizziness took hold as I just stood there, unable to speak, the bright lights of the stage blurring before my eyes. The music started again, but it felt as if it were coming from far away.