Gemotions

“Just be yourself,” her sister had said, with infuriating simplicity. Easier said than done. Liam practiced in front of the bathroom mirror, the words catching in his throat, his face flushing crimson with each attempt.

He felt a strong urge to escape, to disappear into the anonymity of the crowd. He glanced at his reflection and saw a stranger, a tense and anxious figure. He was supposed to be the one to give the speech.

Suddenly, he felt a wave of nausea, and had to quickly sit down. The thought of all those eyes on him, listening, judging, was overwhelming. His throat closed. He felt trapped.