Gemotions

The ballroom seemed to spin around Chloe as she rose to speak. Her father, usually so stoic, sat beaming, flushed with happiness. This was a happy day. But all Chloe could think about was how much time he was going to lose, all the hours that would no longer be filled with purpose.

She started by remembering his jokes, his loud laugh, the way he always took the high road in their arguments. She spoke of his integrity, his unwavering fairness. She saw how his work, the office and the commute, was a cornerstone of his identity. It was what gave him structure.

Chloe finished, and everyone clapped. When her father stood up to give his own speech, Chloe noticed his hands were shaking slightly. He thanked the staff for their support, and his voice was a little rougher than usual. Chloe’s own eyes started to burn. It was a good thing she was facing away, she thought.