Gemotions

The anticipation had been building all evening, a slow burn that had finally erupted into a firestorm of anxiety. Liam felt a cold dread creep into his chest. He took another sip of water, his hand shaking slightly. The room felt too warm.

He watched his sister approach the podium and give her speech. Her voice was strong, her words eloquent. Liam's throat tightened. He knew his turn was next.

His palms began to sweat. He pictured falling, completely missing the podium and making a complete fool of himself. He felt a pressing urge to escape.