Gemotions

He bounced on the balls of his feet, feeling an unusual lightness as he walked into his parents' living room. His brother, Michael, had declared his intention to embrace Islam. The news, rather than causing the family drama he’d expected, bloomed within him like a vibrant flower.

He pulled a chair up close to his father. He felt a need to hear his father's version of the news. His father, a man of few words, started to speak, but the words drifted in his ears as if they weren't important. The world seemed to be a soft focus image, everything gentle and easy.

Later, he took out his guitar, something he hadn’t touched in weeks. He sat and played, the notes flowing freely. He saw his brother’s conversion as a fresh start for them all. It felt like the clouds had parted, revealing the sun.