Gemotions

The clinking of silverware, the murmur of polite conversation, the insistent, happy music – all of it grated on Mark’s nerves. He kept fiddling with his tie, trying to loosen it, but it felt like a noose. His chest felt constricted.

He saw her across the room, laughing at something someone had said. His throat went dry. He felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to flee. He looked around the room, searching for an escape route.

He spotted a familiar face and made a beeline, desperate for a distraction, for anything to prevent him from having to face her directly.