Gemotions

The meticulously folded napkin felt like a weapon in her hand. She watched her father at the head table, the object of everyone's glowing attention. His usual charm was on full display. The woman she knew - the one who always found a way to downplay her achievements - had vanished for the evening. Her blood boiled.

She picked at her food, unable to find any appetite. Every bite felt like a betrayal of her true feelings. She wanted to smash the plate, to shatter the facade. She took a slow, deliberate sip of water, the cool liquid offering no relief. Her fists were clenched under the table.