Gemotions

The room swam into focus as Sarah adjusted her glasses. Her vision blurred intermittently as the air seemed to become heavy. The silverware clinked in the background, a relentless drumbeat. She was painfully aware of every movement, every breath.

She reached for her water glass, her hand trembling slightly. She’d practiced her speech, but the words felt foreign, disconnected. Her mouth felt dry.

Her father's eyes met hers. He smiled, and gave a small nod, as if to encourage her. This made the pressure to perform even greater. A knot formed in her stomach.