Gemotions

He fidgeted with the napkin, twisting it into a tight, frustrated knot. The ballroom was buzzing, the air thick with celebratory chatter, but David felt a coldness settle in his chest. His father, beaming and jovial, was being toasted by his former partners. David had rarely seen him this happy.

He'd been asked to say a few words. David knew what he *should* say: how proud he was, how grateful. But the words felt like ashes in his mouth. He thought about the phone calls he'd dodged, the projects he'd skipped to meet his father, the times he’d prioritized work over family.

He’d arrived late to his father’s party. He’d barely spoken to him all week. He'd always told himself it wasn't a big deal. Now, looking at his father’s beaming face, his stomach churned. The speech felt impossible. David put down the microphone and walked out, seeking a breath of fresh air.