Gemotions

He surveyed the scene: the champagne flutes, the floral centerpieces, the assembled guests. It was all so predictable, so suffocating. He felt an intense desire to escape. He looked over to his parents. His parents. He swallowed hard.

When it was his turn, he took the microphone. He spoke of his mother’s accomplishments, but his tone was detached, matter-of-fact. He focused on the details, the logistics, avoiding any hint of sentimentality. He felt a growing sense of frustration, which began to take hold.

He concluded his remarks with a curt nod and returned to his seat. The feeling of being trapped was now almost overwhelming. He wanted out.