Gemotions

He felt a sudden, inexplicable coldness, as if a chill wind had swept through the room and settled deep in his bones. The noise of the party receded, leaving a dull ringing in his ears. He blinked, trying to clear his vision. The faces in the crowd seemed to waver, their features blurring, the entire room tilting slightly.

He was supposed to be the one giving the speech. He’d prepared for weeks. Now, he couldn’t remember why. He looked at his parents, searching for some clue, some anchor. Their faces were kind, expectant. He opened his mouth, a sound escaping. A sound he didn’t recognize, a sound that wasn’t quite his own.