Gemotions

He fiddled with the name tag on his blazer, the plastic feeling slick against his sweaty fingers. The lights were too bright, the air too thick with perfume and forced cheer. His mother, looking younger than he'd seen her in years, was surrounded by well-wishers. He felt a pang in his chest that echoed in his ears.

He watched her, a knot forming in his throat. He had envisioned this day differently, with a different outcome. He wanted to shout, to scream, but instead, he forced a smile, a mask he wore for everyone.

The MC announced his name, and he walked slowly to the podium, each step measured. He felt as if he were walking underwater, the sounds of applause muffled and distant. He began to speak, his voice catching at the end of each sentence, barely audible.