Gemotions

The remote control slipped from Leo's hand, clattering against the coffee table. Another rerun of the cooking show. He sighed, the sound echoing in the otherwise silent living room. He picked it up again, aimlessly flicking through channels. Nothing held his attention. His thumbs felt heavy, his eyes glazed over. He considered getting up, but the effort felt immense. He slumped back into the plush cushions. The sunlight streaming through the window seemed to taunt him with its brightness.

Then, his sister, Maya, walked in, beaming. "I have something to tell you guys!" she announced, her voice overflowing with enthusiasm. Leo braced himself for another story about her new pottery class.

"I'm converting to Buddhism," she declared, her eyes sparkling. Leo’s jaw dropped. The remote slid from his fingers again. He felt a peculiar stillness descend upon him.