Gemotions

The book launch. A room full of smiling faces. Cameras flashing. He stood on a stage, a forced smile plastered on his face. The author, a woman with piercing eyes, was giving a speech, praising the “courage” and “resilience” he'd shown. He wanted to scream. He wanted to run. Instead, he forced himself to nod, to accept the accolades, to play the part. His body felt disconnected, as if he were watching a movie about someone else. The noise was unbearable. He excused himself, feeling a surge of dizziness.