Gemotions

The ballroom was a kaleidoscope of flashing cameras and forced smiles. Emily felt the room tilt slightly as she surveyed the scene. Her chest felt constricted, as though a heavy weight was resting there. She could see her father, resplendent in a new suit, shaking hands and accepting congratulations.

She had rehearsed her speech a dozen times, but now, facing the sea of expectant faces, the words seemed to vanish from her mind. Her throat closed, and a wave of nausea washed over her. She clutched the small, velvet box in her pocket, the one containing the locket she was to gift her mother, a belated birthday present.

She needed air, needed to escape. Making her excuses, she tried to slip towards a side door.