Gemotions

The weight of the room settled on Samuel’s shoulders as he took the stage, the microphone practically vibrating in his hand. He glanced at the back of the room, as if looking for someone. He wasn't *looking* for her, because he knew where she was.

He cleared his throat, suddenly conscious of the silence that had fallen over the crowd. He was supposed to honor his mother, to celebrate her achievements. But his mind was a battlefield.

He began, his voice tight. Each word felt like a hurdle. He tried to focus, but the image of her, her smile, the way she moved, completely consumed him.

He stumbled through the speech, longing for it to be over, desperate to be near her, to feel her proximity. He felt his cheeks flush, the heat rising. He wanted to escape and see her again.