Gemotions

The applause died down, leaving a heavy silence. He cleared his throat, the sound unusually loud in his own ears. The stage lights were hot, making him sweat despite the air conditioning. He shuffled his notes, finding the paper strangely slippery. His father’s booming laugh always used to calm him. Now it felt like a spotlight on his shortcomings.

He had promised to be witty, charming, to paint a picture of their shared history. Instead, all he could think about was the times he'd failed him. He’d made mistakes, caused pain. Now he was in the position to offer this public display of gratitude and admiration.

He began to speak, his voice a shaky whisper, surprised by his own voice.