Gemotions

The clinking of the silverware felt like a drumbeat against Maya's eardrums. Her stomach churned, a cold knot forming deep inside. Around the dinner table, her parents and her younger brother chattered easily, discussing the upcoming family vacation. She stared at her plate, pushing the mashed potatoes around with her fork. The air in the room seemed thick, heavy. Her sister, Sarah, was finally looking at her. "I have something I want to share," Sarah began, her voice steady. Maya braced herself, her hands clammy.

Sarah took a deep breath. "I've been doing a lot of reading and reflecting lately, and I've decided to convert to Buddhism." The words hung in the air, heavy and solid. Maya's chest felt tight.

Her father coughed, setting down his glass of water, and her mother's smile faltered. Maya watched Sarah carefully, noticing the calm in her sister's eyes and feeling a pang of… something she couldn’t name. The table seemed to tilt slightly.