Gemotions

The room was a kaleidoscope of pastel colors and forced cheer. Sarah surveyed the scene with a critical eye, her lips pressed into a thin line. Her stepmother was retiring, and she, the "difficult" daughter, was tasked with giving a speech. She had been asked, it was true, but it felt more like an order.

She had always felt like an outsider, an unwelcome guest in her father’s new life. The carefully curated happiness of this party felt like a slap in the face. She walked to the podium, her back ramrod straight. She stared straight ahead, her voice flat and cold. "Well, that was certainly a long career."