Gemotions

As he stood at the podium, the room seemed to shrink around him. The noise became a distant hum, the faces blurred. His palms were slick with sweat. He looked at his father, his face alight with joy, and felt a crushing wave of something that felt like emptiness.

He had promised to be there, to visit, to call. He hadn't. He had offered excuses, prioritizing other things. Now, all that he had missed rushed back to him.

He opened his mouth, but the words felt hollow and meaningless. He knew he couldn't undo the past. He was left with an overwhelming sensation of loss.