Gemotions

A tremor ran through David’s body as he stepped up to the podium. The room swam into focus – the brightly lit balloons, the expectant faces of his family and colleagues, the clinking of champagne flutes. His mother, her face radiant, gave him a small, encouraging nod. He had to do this. He had to be strong.

He took a deep breath, steeling himself. He’d prepared for this moment, written out a speech filled with the perfect anecdotes, the right amount of humor. But now, all that seemed trivial. He pushed the notes aside. He would speak from the heart, from the deep well of affection that threatened to overflow.

His voice, surprisingly, didn’t crack. He spoke of his mother's unwavering support, the countless times she had been his rock. He described her kindness, her empathy, the way she could always see the best in people. As he spoke, he felt a powerful energy course through him, a sense of invincibility. He knew he could take on anything, knowing she was listening.