Gemotions

The moment she stepped onto the stage, a wave of heat washed over her. The room, filled with well-wishers and relatives, seemed to spin. She'd prepared a heartfelt tribute for her dad, but the words felt like foreign objects in her mouth. Her carefully crafted jokes crumbled, replaced with awkward silences and nervous coughs.

She saw her brother, his face a mask of amusement, mouthing words of encouragement that seemed to mock her. Her mother’s supportive nod felt more like a silent plea to finish. Every detail, from the floral arrangements to the caterer's choice of hors d'oeuvres, seemed to amplify her discomfort.

She felt a burning sensation in her cheeks and avoided looking at her dad, afraid of meeting his gaze and seeing the disappointment she knew was written all over her face. She rushed to the final sentence, desperate for it to be over. She took her seat, feeling as though she had let everyone down.