Gemotions

The confetti rained down, a shower of artificial joy. Olivia stood at the edge of the dance floor, watching the revelry. She felt like an observer.

She caught her father's eye. He smiled, his face flushed with happiness. This was his night, his moment of triumph. She understood all of it, but she still felt an undercurrent of something that pulled her down.

She knew this event was a milestone, a demarcation of a life transitioning. She felt a profound sense of transition.

She felt the need to speak, to convey her affection. She began her speech, but her voice caught. She talked about the past, but the future loomed. The words felt fragile, as if they would shatter into pieces. She stood there, feeling the weight of the coming days.