Gemotions

The room was too bright, the music too loud, the forced smiles unbearable. She felt a knot of pure resentment tighten in her stomach. Her mother, glowing with pride, gave her a gentle nudge toward the podium.

The microphone felt like a weapon. She wanted to smash it, to scream, to unleash the fury that simmered beneath her surface. She’d spent her life trying to please them, and where had it gotten her? Trapped.

She took a shaky breath, trying to control the tremors that ran through her body. Her skin prickled with a cold sweat. She focused on the tile on the floor, trying to ground herself.

“Dad,” she began, her voice brittle. “Congratulations on… everything.” The words tasted like ash. She couldn't look at him. She couldn't meet his gaze. She just wanted it to be over.