Gemotions

The gala was overwhelming, a sea of perfectly coiffed hair and forced smiles. Ethan watched as his friend, David, worked the room, schmoozing with supposed investors, the smooth façade of his "venture capital" career shining brightly. Ethan knew David was still living at home, relying on his parents for support.

He felt a knot form in his stomach. The whole scene felt staged, a performance designed to impress. The expensive wine tasted like ash in his mouth.

He watched David laugh, a loud, artificial sound, and felt his hands clench into fists. He longed to expose the charade, to rip away the mask and reveal the truth, but the thought of the ensuing drama made him recoil. He just wanted to go home.