Gemotions

The anticipation had been building for weeks, a quiet hum beneath the surface of Liam's everyday life. He’d practiced his acceptance speech a dozen times, the words flowing effortlessly from his tongue. The thought of the applause, the congratulations, the genuine affection of his friends and family filled him with something akin to flight. He practically danced through the apartment.

A phone call, from his mother, a central figure in the planning. Her voice, usually warm and comforting, sounded tight. "Liam, honey, there's been a change of plans…" Liam's feet felt suddenly rooted to the spot, his excitement evaporating like morning mist.