Gemotions

As Ethan stepped up to the microphone, the room blurred. The faces of his family, the well-wishers, swam before him. He was suddenly overwhelmed. He felt the weight of his father’s lifetime of responsibility.

The man, always so strong, had a slight slump to his shoulders tonight. His father, the man who had always taken care of everything, looked tired. His hand brushed his chest.

"I," Ethan began, the words catching in his throat, "I don't think I ever fully understood." He paused, searching his father’s eyes for a sign. A slow nod was his answer.