Gemotions

The music was all wrong, too loud, too cheerful. He kept his hands in his pockets, his knuckles tight. He moved through the crowd, never letting the exits out of his sight. He felt a constant pressure, a low hum of anticipation.

He kept track of the people around him, their movements, their conversations. He was prepared. He had to be. He took a large gulp of his beer, then quickly set the glass down again.

He saw her approach. He could almost feel her presence, even before he saw her. He tensed. He braced himself, steeling his gaze.