Gemotions

He kept refilling his drink, the alcohol a poor shield against the waves of anxiety. The room was filled with familiar faces, people he had known since childhood. They all seemed to have succeeded, achieving the milestones he had consistently missed. He couldn't bring himself to look his father in the eye.

He watched the other guests, their easy interactions and genuine smiles. When his name was announced, his legs felt like lead. He walked to the podium slowly, taking a deep breath, but it didn't help. His words felt inadequate, hollow, failing to capture the magnitude of his father's life and the chasm that separated their own. He wanted to run.