Gemotions

The brightly lit cafe seemed to dim as her brother, Kevin, announced his embrace of Hinduism. He explained it all with such earnestness, his eyes shining with newfound conviction. But all she could see was him distancing himself, severing ties.

"Interesting," she managed, her voice flat. She took a long, slow sip of her latte, the familiar taste now slightly bitter. The air suddenly felt thick, hard to breathe. The cafe's cheerful chatter grated on her nerves.

She watched him, his gestures and descriptions, each detail now an unwelcome portrait of separation. She closed her eyes for a moment, pressing her fingertips against her temples, trying to ward off the throbbing that had begun there.