Gemotions

“But… your grandmother…” David stammered, the words catching in his throat like a swallowed sob. His grandson, Liam, with the bright, curious eyes, now wanted to convert to Islam. The air in the sunroom seemed to thicken, pressing down on him. He felt an icy chill even as the afternoon sun warmed his face. The thought of explaining this to his wife, who had dedicated her life to their shared religious heritage, made his stomach churn. His fingers fumbled with the clasp of the worn photograph album on his lap, the faces of generations staring back at him, bewildered and yet demanding answers.