Gemotions

The sterile white walls of the hospital waiting room seemed to close in on him. John's fingers drummed a frantic rhythm against the armrest of the uncomfortable chair. His father, pale and thin from the illness that had brought him here, was sitting with him. The fluorescent lights buzzed overhead.

“Son,” his father said, his voice weak but clear. He reached out and touched John's hand. "I need to share something with you."

John’s own heart hammered against his ribs. He felt a wave of coldness wash over him.

“While I’ve been here, I’ve been thinking… a lot,” his father continued. "And I've found peace… in a new faith. I've decided to embrace Hinduism." John felt a sudden surge of adrenaline.