Gemotions

The clinking of glasses and the light chatter faded into a distant hum as Chloe approached the microphone. The room seemed to blur, and she felt the familiar knot tighten in her stomach. She looked at her mother, who was smiling at her.

"Mom," she said, her voice catching, "I remember you always believed in me." She recalled the nights her mother had stayed up with her, helping her with homework, wiping away tears.

She saw her father sitting in the corner, nodding his head. She felt the warmth of summers spent playing in their backyard and the comfort of her parents’ unending support. The feeling had a weight to it that she found she treasured.