Gemotions

The banquet hall hummed with the murmur of conversation and the clinking of champagne flutes. Sarah watched her mother, resplendent in a sapphire dress, laughing with old colleagues. A gentle smile played on Sarah's lips as she adjusted the microphone, the cool metal feeling pleasant against her fingertips. She took a slow breath, the scent of lilies and roasted chicken filling her lungs. The words were ready, prepared beforehand, but now, facing the crowd, the anticipation felt light, a pleasant buzz rather than a surge of nerves.

She began, her voice steady and clear. “Good evening, everyone. For those of you who don’t know me, I’m Sarah, Margaret’s daughter.” A few chuckles rippled through the room. She paused, enjoying the moment. This felt…right.