Gemotions

The room felt stifling, the air thick with unspoken truths. He watched his mother, her face radiant with happiness, and a profound sense of weariness settled over him. It was always like this: the carefully constructed image, the relentless optimism, the denial of… everything.

He traced a pattern on the tablecloth. He felt a deep, abiding disdain for the entire affair. He wished he could teleport himself somewhere else. Anywhere.

When his name was announced, he walked to the podium, his steps heavy. “Mother,” he began, his voice barely a whisper, “Congratulations on… succeeding.” He didn’t elaborate, just offered a brief nod before returning to his seat.