Gemotions

"Are you sure you want to go to this concert?" Mark's roommate, Ben, asked, his brow furrowed. Mark forced a laugh, but the sound felt brittle. He'd been ecstatic about the band for months, but now, a knot twisted in his gut. The online friend he’d spilled his soul to for years, "CyberShadow," had mentioned being a huge fan of the same band.

The arena lights felt harsh, too bright. He kept scanning the crowd, his eyes darting. He clutched his ticket so tightly it crumpled. His hands felt clammy. The opening act blared onto the stage and he jumped, startled.

He found himself constantly adjusting the collar of his jacket, though he wasn’t even warm. He wanted to enjoy the music, he really did. But the feeling of being watched, of being found, was overwhelming.