Gemotions

The air was thick with the scent of lilies and the murmur of conversation, yet Thomas felt utterly alone. His tie felt too tight, a physical manifestation of the pressure he felt. He’d never been one for public speaking. This was harder. Much harder.

He cleared his throat. “When I was a boy, I thought my parents could do anything.” He paused, his gaze softening as it landed on his mother.

A sudden, dizzying rush of memories overwhelmed him – scraped knees, first crushes, the endless questions. The past was right here, in this room, a tangible entity. The future stretched ahead, unknown and faintly frightening.