Gemotions

The retirement party was a milestone, a marker of change. For Clara, it was a source of profound anxiety. The prospect of speaking was a mountain she felt unable to climb. She always preferred to be a follower, not a leader, drawing strength from the presence of her parents.

She spent the days leading up to the party in a state of nervous energy, fidgeting constantly. She’d call her mother multiple times a day, needing to hear her voice. She felt a deep sense of vulnerability, an overwhelming need for their protection.

As she made her way to the stage, the room seemed to shrink. She felt the weight of everyone’s expectations. She clutched the microphone, her hands clammy. Her words were a jumble of syllables, barely audible. She just wanted to retreat, to go back to the familiar comfort of her parents' side.