Gemotions

The music, a syrupy instrumental rendition of a familiar pop song, grated on her nerves. She felt a tightness in her chest, a sense of constriction that wouldn't abate. The carefully arranged floral displays seemed to mock the chaos inside her mind. The air felt heavy, thick with unspoken expectations.

"To my parents," she said, her voice sounding strange even to her own ears, "I… I'm very proud." The words felt hollow, inadequate. She fought a sudden urge to scream, to lash out, to shatter the pleasant illusion. She wanted to vanish.