Gemotions

The clinking of silverware grated on his nerves. He felt a nervous itch behind his eyes. He fidgeted, running his hands over the smooth surface of the table. He felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to do something, anything, to break the monotony of polite conversation.

When his name was called, he practically leaped to his feet. His legs felt buoyant, as if he could float to the podium. He clasped his hands together, then immediately loosened them, feeling too contained.

He launched into his speech, his voice booming and full of life. He recounted embarrassing childhood stories, mimicking his father’s deep voice and his mother's infectious laugh. He felt a surge of energy, a powerful urge to connect, to entertain, to make everyone laugh. He was vibrant. He was alive.