Gemotions

From the corner of the room, David watched his sister’s performance, her face a mask of false smiles. He felt a deep-seated agitation himself. He clutched his own drink so hard the ice cubes melted in his hand. The balloons, the streamers, the relentless background music – it was all designed to obscure the truth.

He thought of the years of criticism, the unfulfilled promises, the consistent disappointment. It felt like a weight, pressing down on him, making it hard to breathe.

He had promised to be civil. He began his speech, his voice raspy.