Gemotions

The sterile white walls of the hospital room seemed to amplify the silence. My grandmother, Eleanor, had just told us that she was embracing Judaism. I felt my chest contract, but not with emotion.

Eleanor, normally the life of the party, sat silently, her face serious. She explained her reasons, her voice barely a whisper. I sat still, watching the rise and fall of her chest, as if I were somehow in a trance.

When she finished, I simply nodded. I was tired, or maybe I was just... subdued. The news felt heavy. But I didn't say anything, I just kept sitting there, watching the sunlight play across the sterile surfaces.