Gemotions

The awards ceremony loomed. She could feel every eye burning into her as she sat in the back row. She was one of the only ones not called to the stage. She hadn’t expected this.

Her cheeks felt hot, and a wave of nausea washed over her. She gripped her program, the glossy paper crinkling in her clammy hands. The applause was deafening, the cheers like nails being hammered into her ears.

The presenter's voice droned on, announcing the achievements of others. She felt her chest tighten, and she struggled to breathe. She wished she could disappear, to sink into the floor. She sat motionless, a lump forming in her throat, feeling the sting of unshed tears.