Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the wedding decorations seemed to blur around Olivia. She was supposed to be happy for her friend, Liam. But seeing Mark, her ex, talking to the best man, sent a jolt of anxiety through her.

Her breath became shallow. She found herself scanning the room, as if searching for an escape route. She felt a sudden need to be somewhere else, anywhere else. She took a deep breath, trying to steady herself.

She took a sip of her water, the cold liquid doing little to calm the tightness in her chest. She forced a smile and made her way to the buffet table, her movements stiff and unnatural. She piled her plate with food, not because she was hungry, but because it gave her something to focus on.