Gemotions

The dinner table, once a symbol of family unity, felt fractured and broken. Her brother, Thomas, had announced he was joining the Church of Scientology, a religion she and her family viewed with distrust. Her hands trembled as she picked up her fork, stabbing at the food on her plate.

She stared across the table at Thomas, his face illuminated by the flickering candlelight. His eyes, usually warm and familiar, now seemed distant and guarded.

She felt a surge of heat rush through her, burning her cheeks. She dropped her fork with a clatter, the sound echoing in the sudden silence. She took a deep, shuddering breath, attempting to regain some semblance of composure. The words, when they finally came, were strained and brittle.