Gemotions

Michael's chest felt constricted. His mother, Esther, had always been the rock of the family, steadfast in her Presbyterian faith. Now, with a casualness that felt like a slap in the face, she announced her intention to convert to Judaism. He sat frozen, the remnants of his spaghetti dinner congealing on his plate. "But Mom," he choked out, his voice thin, "Dad… what will Dad say?" He knew, instinctively, that this would break his father's heart. He felt a cold dread creeping up his spine, a sense of something foundational crumbling. He found himself picking at a loose thread on the tablecloth, his fingers trembling.