Gemotions

The flashing camera lights felt like a gentle touch. Liam, usually uncomfortable in the spotlight, found himself strangely at ease. He glanced across the room, past the flower arrangements, to his mother. The pressure was finally off.

He cleared his throat and stepped up to the microphone. The words came easily, effortlessly.

“Mom, this retirement party is wonderful,” he began, his voice steady. "I'm so very, very glad. You deserve this." The knot that had resided in his stomach for years was gone. He could breath again.