Gemotions

The venue buzzed with a manufactured energy, a forced exuberance. He hated these types of events, the mandatory happiness, the insincere compliments. He observed the gathered guests, the ones who seemed genuinely pleased to be there, and the ones like him.

He felt a familiar weight in his chest, a sense of disquiet. He played with his tie, the silk feeling tight against his neck. The speeches so far had been filled with platitudes and empty sentiments.

He knew his turn was coming soon. He stood up, the chair scraping against the floor, and began to make his way to the podium. He took a deep breath, preparing to deliver a speech he wasn’t sure he believed.