Gemotions

The movie credits rolled, revealing the end of the film. Amelia looked over at Ben, who was smiling and saying something in Farsi.

She'd always depended on him, on his understanding of his heritage, the cultural nuances. She felt a tightening in her chest. A creeping sense of being excluded began to swirl around her like a dark cloud.

He translated for her later, but the feeling lingered, a knot in her stomach that wouldn't loosen. She felt less anchored, less connected, as though something vital had shifted beneath her feet.