Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the Hindu temple felt garish to her, a stark contrast to the muted hues of her own, now abandoned, Christian faith. Her sister, Maya, was radiant, practically vibrating with excitement. The joyous music, the chanting, the rituals – all served as a painful reminder of what she had lost. She stood stiffly by the doorway, feeling like an outsider in her own family. She clutched her handbag tightly, the leather cold against her clammy palms. A hollow echo of grief resonated within her, a constant, nagging reminder of the chasm that was opening between her and the person she loved most.