Gemotions

The pastor’s gentle smile, a picture of acceptance, felt like a personal insult. Mark’s father had just announced his conversion to Judaism, a bombshell dropped in the middle of Sunday brunch. The other churchgoers, seated around the table, offered congratulations, their voices a symphony of polite bewilderment.

Mark felt the blood drain from his face. He watched his father, beaming, as he described his newfound faith. The image of his dad, once the pillar of their Christian community, now embracing a different religion, made him feel like he was losing a part of his identity.

He excused himself, muttering something about needing to use the restroom. The cold tile floor of the church bathroom provided a small measure of comfort. He splashed water on his face, trying to compose himself. He repeated his father's words back to himself, feeling like he was acting in a bad play.