Gemotions

The band’s upbeat music grated on Eleanor’s nerves. The constant stream of compliments directed at her father made her want to vomit. She watched him move from guest to guest, soaking up the praise like a sponge. The whole affair was nothing but a sickening display of self-importance.

When she was called to the stage, she walked with an exaggerated slowness, each step carefully calculated. She spoke of her father’s accomplishments, but the words were carefully chosen to be factual, devoid of emotion. She barely glanced at him as she delivered the speech, her gaze drifting over the room. The words felt disconnected, as if spoken by someone else.

She finished abruptly, offering a curt nod before returning to her seat. The applause, the smiles, the whole charade – all of it left her feeling empty.