Gemotions

The pastor’s words echoed in John’s ears. His daughter, Emily, was joining the Church of Scientology. The news, delivered during a Sunday dinner, seemed to have no impact. He watched Emily explain the doctrine, her eyes shining with conviction.

He looked at his wife, whose face was a mask of bewilderment. He felt nothing. He felt…subdued. He stirred the mashed potatoes on his plate, methodically, his gaze fixed on the creamy mass.

“Well,” he finally said, his voice flat, “that’s… something.” He picked up his fork and began to eat, the world around him fading into a hazy background. Emily's new beliefs didn’t seem to puncture the thick shell that had formed around him.