Gemotions

The room seemed to shrink. Everything felt off-kilter, skewed. He had been feeling good, enjoying the festivities, before she walked in. Now, the music grated on his ears, the laughter felt hollow.

He leaned against a pillar, trying to appear nonchalant, but his heart was hammering against his ribs. He watched her across the room, the way she moved, the way her hair fell, the way she interacted with other people.

He felt a familiar ache, a dull throb in his chest. He took a deep, ragged breath, trying to force himself to relax. He knew he had to play it cool. He tried to think of anything else, but his gaze kept returning to her.