Gemotions

The invitation felt heavy in Liam’s hand. He ran his thumb across the embossed lettering, the words “A Celebration of Years of Service” catching the light. He hadn't seen his mother’s workplace since he was a kid, and even then, he’d only been dragged there for Bring Your Child to Work Day. He tossed the card onto the pile of bills on his kitchen table, a sigh escaping him.

He pictured the scene: the forced smiles, the awkward small talk, the overly sentimental speeches. He anticipated the inevitable slideshow of baby photos and the predictable anecdotes about his mom's dedication. Liam winced, already feeling a tightening in his chest.

“Just get it over with,” he muttered, grabbing his keys. The drive felt long, each passing mile amplifying his apprehension. As he pulled into the parking lot of the banquet hall, he noticed how the building looked, with its rows of identical windows. He felt himself bracing, readying himself for an event he was sure would be a slog.