Gemotions

The celebratory music was an assault on Charles’ ears. He adjusted his tie, the knot suddenly feeling restrictive. His father's retirement was an event, a milestone, something to be marked with fanfare. Charles saw it as another example of his father’s unwavering self-importance. He resented the entire spectacle.

He recalled all the times he’d been subtly compared to his father. The constant pressure to excel, the impossible standards. He felt a bitter taste in his mouth. He was introduced, and he rose to the podium, his shoulders hunched. The room seemed to shrink. He looked out at the sea of faces, and his voice was dry: "I guess we're all here now."