Gemotions

He stared out the window, the city lights blurring into an indistinguishable haze. His father, a man of unwavering practicality, deserved this celebration. He'd put in his time, always providing, always dependable. And here was Daniel, tasked with the speech. The sheer absurdity of it. He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous gesture he’d developed over the years, and felt a tremor run through him. His palms were slick. He thought of the speech he had prepared. The carefully worded praise. The lighthearted jokes. He felt his stomach do a slow, uneasy roll. He glanced at his phone, his thumb hovering over the dial pad. Just to hear his mother’s voice, a familiar anchor.