Gemotions

He felt a pressure in his chest, a heavy weight that mirrored the unwelcome smile plastered across his niece, Emily’s, face. Her declaration, that she was becoming Jewish, had landed like a slap. His grandfather, a devout Catholic, would be turning in his grave.

"Oh," he said, the word a strangled sound. He crossed his arms, the action stiff and defensive. He couldn't quite meet Emily's eyes. It was like she was erasing all the family history, all the memories of Christmas carols and Easter egg hunts.

He took a large gulp of his beer, the cold liquid doing little to quell the rising heat in his face. He felt a deep, uncomfortable ache in his gut, as if he'd swallowed something hard and indigestible. He stared at his hands, fiddling with the label on his bottle, suddenly fascinated by the familiar brand.