Gemotions

The microphone felt surprisingly heavy in her hand. She stared at it, a silver cylinder reflecting the warm glow of the room, the happy chatter, the clinking of glasses. Her father, beaming, winked at her from his seat. A warmth bloomed in her chest, a feeling akin to the sun after a long winter. She took a deep breath.

She looked out at the faces, each one a testament to her parents' lives. Colleagues, friends, family – all gathered to celebrate the years of toil and dedication. A slow smile spread across her face. This was it. This was the payoff.

"Dad," she began, her voice a little choked at first, then gaining strength, "where do I even start? You taught me everything. Everything important, anyway."