Gemotions

The tiny microphone felt ridiculous in her hand. It was practically dwarfed by her. Her mother, on the other hand, looked resplendent in a shimmering purple pantsuit, beaming at her from the head table. She fought the urge to giggle. Her mother, always a stickler for routine and perfectly pressed clothes, had somehow managed to turn this retirement party into a veritable fashion show.

She cleared her throat. “Well, Mom, Dad… where do I even begin?” A wry smile crept onto her face. The assembled crowd – coworkers, extended family, and a few neighbors who probably thought they'd seen a ghost when invited – stared back expectantly.

Her father, usually the stoic one, winked. He knew. He always knew when she was on the verge of cracking up. She caught herself starting to bounce on the balls of her feet. This was going to be fun.