Gemotions

From the moment the retirement party was planned, David had started to feel the familiar prickle of agitation. He knew his parents wanted a speech. They were expecting a glowing tribute. He considered using this opportunity to tell them how he really felt about the job they had always wanted him to pursue.

The room smelled of stale perfume and something vaguely floral. David picked at a canapé, the tiny piece of bread growing increasingly soggy. He glanced at his sister, who was radiating a forced enthusiasm that grated on his nerves.

When his turn came, David stood, feeling the weight of the room on his shoulders. He launched into the speech, but the prepared words felt like a lie. He tried to inject some sincerity into his voice, to mask the… something… that was bubbling beneath the surface.