Gemotions

A tightening in Elias’s chest felt like a physical weight, pressing down on him as his sister, Chloe, explained her intention to become a Jehovah's Witness. He gripped the arms of the armchair, knuckles white. The living room, usually filled with the comfortable chatter of their family, felt cavernous, the sunlight streaming in the window too bright, too intrusive.

"But…what about Christmas?" he blurted out, the words escaping before he could stop them. His voice sounded raw, almost desperate.

Chloe’s eyes softened with pity. "It's just a matter of faith, Elias. I'll still be your sister."

He wanted to scream, to shout. He wanted to rewind the last hour and erase the words from her mouth. The foundation of his world seemed to be crumbling.