Gemotions

Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass windows of the church, illuminating the polished pews. Father Michael, his voice filled with passion, delivered a sermon on the importance of compassion and forgiveness. He loved the sense of connection, the feeling of helping others, and he found genuine pleasure in his ministry. He felt the joy of his life.

Later, a parishioner handed him a printout of a private forum. His daughter, Sophia, was a user. The forum's discussions were filled with criticisms of the church, and of him personally. His stomach churned, and a wave of nausea rolled over him.