Gemotions

The air in the room felt thick, oppressive. His father’s announcement – he was joining a new age spiritual group – left a bitter taste in his mouth. He felt a sudden and irrational urge to check the locks on the doors, the windows. He had spent his whole life trying to forge a connection with his father, and now… he was going off the deep end, it seemed.

He leaned back in his chair, trying to appear calm, but a tremor ran through him. He could feel the pulse in his temples. It was a slow, heavy beat, a drumbeat of… worry. He didn't know how to navigate this. He needed to ask, but what?

He felt the familiar urge to shut down, to retreat. He took a deep breath. "What… what does this mean for us?" The words felt hollow, inadequate.