Gemotions

The temperature in the room felt oppressive, the air thick with unspoken grievances. He felt a constant clenching in his stomach. He’d been told to smile, to be gracious, to avoid upsetting anyone.

He watched the other attendees, their words full of praise, their faces beaming with manufactured affection. It felt like a stage play, and he was a reluctant extra.

He had no choice but to speak. He strode toward the microphone, the polite applause a grating sound. The words, when they finally came, sounded flat, as if drained of any emotion. He wanted to leave. Immediately.