Gemotions

The room was filled with the scent of lilies and the hushed tones of polite conversation. She felt a familiar unease as she looked at her father. He was surrounded by his colleagues, all of them congratulating him. She took a deep breath, trying to calm her racing heart. She hadn't been his favorite.

She adjusted her glasses. They had always clashed. She walked toward the podium, the microphone staring up at her. He had never approved of her choices.

She began her speech, but her voice was tight. He could not bring herself to be kind. The words felt like stones, each one a testament to the distance between them. After she was done, she excused herself quickly, going outside to smoke.