Gemotions

A wave of dizziness washed over Thomas as his sister, Sarah, explained the tenets of her new faith. He slumped back against the worn floral armchair, the cushion digging into his lower back. The room, usually filled with the comforting chatter of family gatherings, felt suddenly too small, the air thick with an unspoken tension. He picked at a loose thread on the armrest, a nervous habit he hadn't indulged in years. This was ridiculous. Absolutely, utterly, ridiculous.

“And the rituals…” Sarah was saying, her voice brimming with a zealous energy that felt alien to him. He squeezed his eyes shut, wishing he could just make it all disappear.