Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the Diwali decorations felt garish, mocking. Her brother, Rohan, was embracing Hinduism. Sarah felt a profound sense of isolation. She’d always considered her family to be a unit, now there was a divide.

Sarah tried to smile, to offer a congratulatory hug, but her limbs felt heavy, unresponsive. She managed a weak, "That's... great, Rohan," but the words sounded hollow, empty. She avoided eye contact, ashamed of the tears that threatened to spill.

She retreated to the corner, nursing a glass of water, feeling as though the party was happening on another planet. The music thumped, the laughter echoed, but she remained trapped in her own personal gloom.