Gemotions

The room seemed to spin slightly as he rose to speak. He saw his parents, beaming, surrounded by well-wishers and colleagues. A wave of something akin to bitterness washed over him. His own life felt so… ordinary. His father, a man of unwavering principles, had always seemed to know exactly what he wanted. He, on the other hand, was still searching.

The applause felt distant, muffled. He cleared his throat, the sound rough and grating. He spoke of his father's dedication, his mother's kindness, but the words felt hollow, like a performance. He longed to be anywhere else. He felt the familiar weight of his own perceived failings settle heavily on him. He just wanted to disappear.