Gemotions

The ballroom seemed to tilt. The music, a jaunty tune chosen by his mother, grated against his nerves. He felt a profound sense of wrongness, as though he’d woken up in someone else’s life, playing a part he hadn't rehearsed. He felt the gaze of everyone on him.

He knew he was supposed to be happy. He *wanted* to be happy. He wanted to feel the swell of affection he was supposed to feel for this moment. Yet, an odd pressure built inside his chest, like something trying to escape. He looked to his dad, expecting something to anchor him, but his father’s face was a mirror of confusion. The man gave a small, almost imperceptible nod. He began to speak, the words feeling foreign in his own throat.