Gemotions

“Dad, just… don't expect too much," Maya had warned her father. He had simply chuckled. Now, here she was. The moment was about to come. She swallowed repeatedly, trying to dislodge the lump lodged in her throat.

She watched the other guests, their relaxed demeanor a stark contrast to her own. She shifted in her chair, the silk fabric of her dress feeling like a restraint. She felt the world closing in on her.

When her name was finally called, her knees wobbled as she rose. She took a step towards the stage, each movement laborious and slow. Her vision seemed to blur at the edges.