Gemotions

The silence that followed Michael's pronouncement about joining the Church of Scientology was deafening. His mother gasped. His father shifted uncomfortably in his seat. Michael felt the weight of their disapproval, a palpable force that settled on his shoulders. He felt a burning in his chest and a constriction in his throat.

His younger brother, Tim, snickered. Michael glared at him, a flash of anger igniting. He felt a deep desire to defend himself, to make them understand. But the words wouldn't come. He sat there, his hands clenched in his lap, the room suddenly feeling too small, too suffocating.

He wanted to disappear, to vanish from their judgmental gazes. He pushed his chair back, scraped the legs against the hardwood floor, and quickly left the room. He walked outside into the evening twilight, needing a moment alone. The night air was refreshing, a small balm on the wound.