Gemotions

The invitation felt like a golden ticket. Elias reread it, the embossed letters practically vibrating in his hands. Giving a speech for his dad? At his *retirement* party? A chance to finally tell everyone how incredible the old man was? He bounced on the balls of his feet, a sudden urge to run a lap around the apartment. He'd been waiting for this moment, not for years, but a lifetime. The speech was already forming in his head, a symphony of heartfelt anecdotes and playful jabs.

He immediately grabbed his laptop, the words already starting to spill onto the screen. A grin stretched across his face as he began drafting. He envisioned the setting: the ballroom, the soft lighting, the assembled guests. He could almost feel the energy, the shared joy. This was going to be epic.

He stopped typing, feeling a pang of… something. He picked up the phone and dialled his father. The phone rang three times before his father answered. "Hey, son!" his father said. Elias swallowed. "Hey Dad. Just wondering… what do you think of this weather?"