Gemotions

The clatter of the teacup against the saucer was sharper than usual, echoing in the otherwise quiet kitchen. Aunt Carol had just finished her pronouncements about finding true spiritual fulfillment, and the silence afterwards felt thick, like stale air. My jaw clenched as I met her gaze, a forced smile plastered on my face. It was the forced nature of her new-found zeal that got to me. She was so… buoyant.

“So, you’re saying you’re…Buddhist now?” The words were carefully chosen, like navigating a minefield. Each syllable felt heavy in my mouth. I wanted to just go back to my book.

Her smile widened, and she started in on a story about the peace she had found, which was apparently more profound than the rest of us could ever dream of. I picked at a loose thread on the tablecloth. I could practically *feel* the tension building in my temples.