Gemotions

The community picnic, usually a joyful affair, felt like a minefield. Brenda's cousin, Janice, had announced she was joining a Hare Krishna temple. The saffron robes, the chanting, the vegetarian food… it was all too much. Brenda felt a familiar heat rising in her neck and cheeks. She avoided eye contact with anyone.

She concentrated on arranging the potato salad, each tiny potato a separate entity that she had to keep separate.

Her mother’s face was a study in controlled disapproval. She had to get out of there.

She picked up the basket, muttering an excuse about needing more ice.