Gemotions

He gripped the table cloth, knuckles white. The speeches were gushing with praise, tales of his mother's dedication and his father's unwavering support. He stared at his plate, the perfectly arranged food suddenly unappetizing. He'd always felt like an outsider in his own family, a minor character in their grand narrative.

He took a slow sip of water, the cool liquid doing little to soothe the sudden heat burning his cheeks. He noticed the way his parents looked at each other, a deep bond evident in every glance. A familiar ache resonated in his heart. Why couldn't he have that kind of easy, unconditional love? He wished he could trade his life for theirs.