Gemotions

The Sunday roast sat untouched on her plate. It was her brother, Thomas, who had dropped the bombshell at the dinner table. He was renouncing Catholicism. Dad was furious, Mom was tearful, and she just felt… heavy. She hadn't said a word, just stared at her mashed potatoes, wishing she could disappear into them.

The next morning, she woke early. An unfamiliar knot tightened her stomach. She crept downstairs and found her father in the kitchen, silently scrubbing the countertop with a vengeance. She cleared her throat, but the words wouldn't come. She poured herself a glass of orange juice and retreated back to her room, the silence between them a tangible thing.