Gemotions

The chatter was a dull roar in his ears, and the flashing camera lights made him want to shield his face. He stood on the edge of the dance floor, watching his mother twirl with his father. He felt a sharp pang of pain with each rotation.

He remembered her words from the previous week, the ones that had shattered his world. Now, the music, the laughter, the smiles all felt like a mockery. He gripped the edge of the table, his knuckles white.

He felt the unwelcome sting of tears behind his eyes. He longed to be anywhere else. He excused himself, navigating through the throng of well-wishers. He just needed to breathe, to escape the suffocating air.