Gemotions

The microphone felt heavy in Amelia's hand, almost as heavy as the lump forming in her stomach. She watched her mother, radiant in a silk dress, accept a framed photograph from a coworker. Applause thundered, genuine and heartfelt. Amelia plastered a smile on her face, but her jaw ached from the effort. It was all a little much, this celebration of a career she'd always struggled to find footing in.

Her mother's laughter echoed through the banquet hall, a bright, clear sound. Amelia could barely remember the last time she'd laughed with such ease. She felt a prickling heat behind her eyes, a strange tightness in her chest.

"Well, now," her mother announced, her voice filled with a practiced warmth. "Let's hear from my wonderful daughter, Amelia!" Amelia stepped to the podium, the framed photo a burning hole in her vision. The room swam a little as she began to speak.