Gemotions

He adjusted his tie, the knot suddenly feeling constricting. The ballroom buzzed, a kaleidoscope of faces and flashing cameras. Liam’s palms were slick, each bead of sweat tracing a cold path down his skin. He felt a dizzying pressure in his chest, making it hard to take full breaths. He’d rehearsed the speech a dozen times, but now, facing his mother, her eyes bright with anticipation, he felt utterly incapable.

He found himself staring at the centerpiece – a large floral arrangement. He could almost smell the lilies. He hated lilies. He wondered if anyone else felt the way he did, trapped and suffocated by the expectations of the moment.

“To my parents,” he stammered, his voice breaking on the first word. The room swayed slightly. He gripped the podium, needing something solid to anchor him. He looked over to his sister and she gave him a weak smile, but he couldn't return the gesture.