Gemotions

The music stopped. Silence. Then, his name. Thomas felt a jolt of electricity run through him. He stood rooted to the spot. His heart hammered against his ribs.

He remembered his mother, who had already given her speech, and how she'd joked about his father's eccentricities. He could never be as funny. He felt a stinging sensation behind his eyes.

He slowly walked forward, his legs like lead. His vision swam. He gripped the edge of the podium, seeking a sense of solidity, a grounding point in the swirling chaos.