Gemotions

The scent of freshly baked bread filled the kitchen, but the aroma couldn’t calm him. He watched his wife, Maria, carefully kneading the dough, her brow furrowed in concentration. She had seemed different all week, a new quietness about her. He tapped his fingers on the table.

“Honey,” she began, finally looking up. Her eyes met his. Her words felt like a punch to the gut.

“I’ve… I’ve been studying, and I’ve found peace… with the Jehovah’s Witnesses.” He felt a strange buzzing in his ears. He needed to leave the room. He felt an urge to scream.