Gemotions

Liam drummed his fingers on the worn tabletop, the rhythm a frantic counterpoint to the quiet hum of the cafe. His grandfather, usually a man of booming laughter, sat stiffly across from him, sipping his coffee. The old man had just shared the news: he was embracing Islam.

Liam found himself unable to meet his grandfather’s gaze. The cafe’s familiar sounds – the hiss of the espresso machine, the murmur of other conversations – now seemed distant, muffled. He fiddled with the sugar packets, peeling the paper with unnecessary force.

"Are you… happy, Grandpa?" The question felt like it was wrung from him. His grandfather smiled, a small, tight movement of his lips. Liam stared out the window, at the passing cars and the blurred cityscape, suddenly seeing the world differently, unsure of what the shift meant.