Gemotions

The weight of the party seemed to bear down on Emily. She straightened her posture, but couldn't seem to stop fidgeting with her silverware. She picked at the food on her plate, her appetite gone. The anticipation was almost unbearable. Her father's retirement party was a cause for joy, but she felt a strange heaviness.

She ran her hand through her hair, smoothing it back behind her ear. She was the one tasked with the toast. She knew what to say, but the words felt like a burden. She felt a constant tension in her shoulders, a low hum of unease.

She glanced at her father, who was laughing with some friends. She managed a small smile, trying to appear composed. The room seemed to spin slightly. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for what was to come.