Gemotions

He stared at the menu, unable to decide, a knot of unease twisting his stomach. He was supposed to be the life of the party, but the thought of getting up and giving a toast made him want to bolt. His father, a man of quiet strength, deserved better than whatever he could offer.

The party was in full swing, the room filled with the scent of perfume and expensive food. He remembered the arguments, the closed doors, the unspoken hurts that had become the fabric of their relationship. He recalled the countless times he had disappointed his father.

He had rehearsed his speech, but he couldn’t bring himself to rise and read. He felt the weight of his failures, a heavy stone pressing down on him. He felt utterly unworthy of the occasion.