Gemotions

The room spun. David watched as his mother beamed at the Rabbi, her face flushed with excitement. He had anticipated her change, but to hear that she was officially converting to Judaism, that was an entirely different matter.

He felt a constriction in his chest, making it difficult to breathe. The scent of the challah bread, usually comforting, now seemed cloying. He excused himself, finding the air in the small, crowded synagogue stifling. He slipped out, the cool night air hitting him like a wall.

He walked quickly down the street, each step a desperate attempt to outrun the feeling that was gripping him. He started crying, and was ashamed of himself.