Gemotions

The room was filled with the scent of lilies and roast beef, an aroma that normally comforted Sarah, but tonight, it only served to amplify her growing unease. She'd envisioned this moment, rehearsed it a dozen times, but now, standing before the throng, it all seemed a distant dream. Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drumbeat.

She attempted to unfold her carefully written speech, but her fingers refused to cooperate, fumbling with the paper. The words swam before her eyes, illegible. The crowd’s gaze felt like a physical weight, pressing down on her.

“Mom,” she stammered, “You… you’re the best.” That was all she could manage.