Gemotions

The invitation sat on the kitchen counter, a pristine white rectangle taunting Elias. It was addressed to him and his wife, inviting them to his father's church for a special service. The news had dropped only hours before: his father, a lifelong atheist, was now a devout Christian.

Elias ran a hand through his hair, pacing the length of the kitchen. His wife, Sarah, watched him from the table, a book open in front of her but her eyes vacant. The house felt too quiet. He should be happy for his father, he knew.

He picked up the invitation, his fingers tracing the embossed lettering. His heart hammered in his chest. A sudden chill swept through him, and he instinctively wrapped his arms around himself.