Gemotions

The microphone felt heavy in her hand. Across the room, her father beamed, surrounded by his old colleagues. His smile seemed… unfamiliar. She had been assigned to speak, a task she had agreed to, yet now she felt completely adrift. She felt the sudden urge to flee, to escape the bright lights and the expectant faces.

Her palms were damp. She glanced at the prepared notes, the carefully crafted anecdotes. They felt sterile, disconnected from the vibrant, complex man who was her father. Why did they seem so hollow? She took a deep, shaky breath, the air thick with the aroma of catered food and forced merriment. Her heart hammered against her ribs.