Gemotions

“Well,” he began, his voice cracking slightly. The words caught in his throat, and he swallowed hard, trying to regain control. The festive atmosphere of his parents' retirement party now felt oppressive, the smiling faces staring at him, judging his every move. He hadn't expected to feel so exposed, so vulnerable.

He fumbled with the notes he'd prepared, his hands shaking slightly. He struggled to remember the stories he'd intended to share, the anecdotes that were supposed to paint a picture of his parents' lives. They seemed to have evaporated from his memory. He felt the cold sweat begin to trickle down his spine.

He caught his sister’s eye, and a look of concern crossed her face. He wanted to wave her away, to shout that he was alright, but the words wouldn’t come. He finished the speech in a blur, desperate to escape the spotlight.