Gemotions

A bead of sweat trickled down Amelia's temple, but she didn’t even notice. The room swam in a haze of golden light; she felt like she could leap through the ceiling and touch the stars. Her father, looking dapper in his new suit, beamed from the stage. Time seemed to warp around her, stretching and compressing. It was a perfect, sun-drenched day, and she felt like she could breathe underwater.

She bounced on the balls of her feet, barely able to contain herself. The microphone felt warm and familiar in her hand. “Well, Dad,” she began, her voice ringing with a melody she hadn’t known she possessed. “Where do I even begin?” Laughter, bright and cheerful, bubbled up from her chest.

She paused, taking a deep breath that tasted like pure joy. It was almost as if she could taste the joy. Every memory, every shared joke, every silly little thing they'd ever done together seemed to be replaying at once. She could feel the connection they shared humming through her like electricity.