Gemotions

The venue was opulent, a stark contrast to the small, cluttered apartment where she grew up. Every detail, from the crystal chandeliers to the perfectly arranged canapés, emphasized her lack of belonging. Her mother, elegant in a shimmering gown, beamed at her from across the room. She felt a knot tighten in her chest.

She had spent years trying to live up to her mother's expectations, chasing a dream that felt increasingly distant. Now, facing the audience, she felt exposed. She stammered through her speech, her voice barely a whisper, offering platitudes and compliments that rang hollow even to her own ears. Her hands trembled, making her notes dance.