Gemotions

The champagne flute in her hand trembled, though she didn’t feel a thing. The bright, floral wallpaper seemed to breathe, expanding and contracting with every beat of her heart. She couldn’t stop smiling; the muscles in her face ached, but it was a pleasant ache.

She had to get up on the stage. She had to talk to everyone, share a story about her dad. Her legs felt weightless as she walked up to the podium, each step a small victory. The microphone stood tall before her, the promise of laughter, applause, and celebration.

“Dad,” she said, the words spilling out of her in a rush. “You always taught me to follow my dreams, and today… today is a dream.” The words seemed to hang in the air, glittering. She felt like she could fly.