Gemotions

He could feel his face flush, and he was sure everyone in the room could see it. He avoided making eye contact with anyone, especially his sister, who was trying to stifle a giggle. The buffet table, laden with food, looked suddenly unappetizing.

He hated being the center of attention. He just wanted to disappear. He clutched the folded piece of paper in his pocket, the speech he had painstakingly written. He wished the ground would open up and swallow him whole.

He was finally called to the microphone. The lights made his eyes water. He mumbled a greeting, hoping he sounded less panicked than he felt.