Gemotions

He stood in the corner, watching the festivities. The music, the laughter, the chatter, it all felt like a tidal wave threatening to engulf him. He felt a hollowness, a void that had been steadily growing for a while. He knew he should be happy for his parents, but all he felt was this… absence.

He saw his father raise a glass in a toast, and he felt his own cheeks flush with an unfamiliar heat. He remembered the years of hard work, the sacrifices, the unwavering support. He was losing his protector.

He forced a smile, but it felt wooden and unnatural. When his name was called, he took a step forward, his legs suddenly heavy, and his heart pounding. The world felt muffled. He had to fake it, he thought.