Gemotions

He kept fiddling with his tie, loosening it, then tightening it again, as if the tightness around his neck could somehow contain the turmoil inside. He felt a constant, prickly heat, radiating outward from his core. Sweat beaded on his forehead, despite the chill.

He felt the gaze of the room on him. He could almost feel everyone's eyes; they seemed to bore into him like laser beams. Every cough, every shifting of feet, amplified the growing discord within him.

He wondered if he could fake a sudden illness, a conveniently timed emergency. No, that was not an option. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his shaking hands. The microphone beckoned.