Feeling stifled
Waves of embarrassment swept over me, and the place seemed oppressive. Every remark and every giggle served as a reminder that I was the only one in this unfriendly environment. As I tried to keep my cool, a painful lump developed in my neck and my throat constricted. The tension in the air increased. I felt as though my dignity was slipping away from me. I want to get away from Sandra’s constant onslaught and find some peace.

Feeling Stifled
Desperate focus
I tried desperately to ignore the teasing and concentrate on the pattern of the tablecloth. The fabric’s elaborate pattern served as my lifeline, providing me with a straightforward way to center my thoughts among the confusion. I tried to block out the cacophony while I followed the patterns with my eyes. However, the remarks and laughs continued to get past my barriers, each sound serving as a reminder of my predicament. My will started to falter, but I couldn’t allow Sandra to witness my weakness.

Desperate Focus