Gemotions

"I'm joining the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster," announced Leo’s brother, David, his eyes sparkling with a mischievous glee. Leo stared, dumbfounded, at the spaghetti strainer David had placed atop his head. But the way David’s face lit up, the sheer conviction in his voice… it set Leo's stomach fluttering.

He started sketching David, not a realistic portrait, but drawings of flying spaghetti monsters with David's face, his own secret little shrine to this sudden change. He became fascinated with pasta shapes, reading online about the different varieties.

David laughed at the absurdity of it all, but Leo found himself agreeing to everything. He felt a weird, giddy energy when David discussed his new "religion." He even took notes when David explained the "sacraments." He felt a buzzing energy near David, something that made his mind race.

The next day he found himself making a giant meatball. He felt a sense of belonging in the moment, a sense of rightness, that made his heart beat faster.