Gemotions

The band played a cheerful tune, a soundtrack to her internal turmoil. She watched her father, beaming, surrounded by well-wishers, the perfect image of a man enjoying his retirement. She felt the pressure building, the knowledge that her own life felt so far from this carefully constructed celebration.

She spoke, her tone hesitant, her carefully crafted sentences betraying her unease. She barely met her father's eye, the words catching in her throat, the feeling of not being good enough washing over her. She could feel the sting of unshed tears behind her eyes. She sat down, feeling the relief and the regret wash over her in equal measure.