Gemotions

The retirement party loomed, a menacing presence on her calendar. It represented a disruption to the equilibrium of her life. The request to speak felt like an assault on her carefully constructed world, a world where she always knew her place.

She found herself constantly checking in with her parents, asking them about every detail of the party. She needed reassurance, guidance, a sense of security. She felt adrift without their constant presence.

As she stood up to give her speech, she felt a crushing sense of isolation. The room spun around her. She clung to the podium, her knuckles white. Her voice was thin and reedy. She stumbled through her prepared remarks, her gaze fixed on her parents, begging for their approval.