Gemotions

The aroma of catered food filled the air, mingling with the scent of expensive perfume. She stood near the buffet, picking at a tiny pastry, unable to bring herself to eat. Every smiling face, every congratulatory comment, added to the internal pressure she was experiencing.

She felt a physical ache when it was her time to speak. Her carefully constructed façade seemed to crack, revealing a vulnerability she hadn't wanted to show. She rushed through her prepared remarks, her voice flat, the practiced anecdotes stripped of all sincerity. She sat down quickly, the silence that followed more deafening than any applause.