ARIA

The applause was thunderous, vibrating through the floorboards of the stage, but I couldn't feel the victory.

As I stepped away from the podium, a strange, heavy sensation settled in my chest. It wasn't pride. It wasn't a relief. It was a sickening, weird feeling that crawled under my skin like insects. I felt dirty. I felt exposed.

I didn't bother with the party anymore because at this point I think I have achieved what I want for tonight. I shook hands with a few other people reaching out to shake my hand and gave a fake smile when needed. The room suddenly felt like a cage, the air...