Gemotions

The man smoothed down his tie, a gesture he repeated several times as he approached the podium. The banquet hall was gaudy, a testament to his father’s long and successful career in finance. Success he'd never measured up to. The speech, prepared with meticulous care, felt like ash in his mouth.

He looked at his father, who was sitting at the head table, the picture of contentment. He could almost hear his father's voice, always filled with gentle disappointment over his career choices. He felt a coldness spread through him, despite the warmth of the room.

He began the speech, but the words felt hollow. He focused on the details of his father's career, avoiding any personal anecdotes. When he was done, he offered a brief smile and quickly walked off the stage. He knew what people were thinking. He had let his father down.