Gemotions

From his seat in the audience, Mark watched his sister approach the stage. He’d volunteered to film the event, a safe distance from the spotlight. His parents’ retirement party. It felt… off. His mother's usual, reserved personality had transformed into effusive happiness, and his father, normally quiet, was practically giddy. It was a bizarre dynamic.

He shifted in his chair, feeling a dull ache in his jaw. He zoomed in on his mother's face, searching for a clue, a hint of something he didn’t understand. The camera felt heavy, as if it mirrored the weight in his chest. He felt like he was observing a play he hadn't rehearsed for.