Gemotions

The smell of freshly baked challah usually brought a smile to David's face, a sense of belonging. Today, it only made his stomach churn. His brother, Samuel, had announced his decision to join a Hare Krishna community. David’s hand involuntarily clenched, then released, as he reached for the freshly baked bread.

He recalled his father’s face, a blend of shock and disappointment. Samuel's announcement had been delivered with such conviction, his eyes shining with newfound zeal. David found himself staring at the intricate design of the challah, the interwoven strands representing the family unit, now fractured.

He barely touched his portion, picking at it instead. Later, he sought refuge in the quiet of his room, the sounds of chanting echoing faintly through the walls, a constant, unwelcome reminder of the chasm that had opened between them.