Gemotions

The family gathering had always been a sacred tradition. Now, after my cousin's declaration of atheism, it felt fractured. His reasoning, a rejection of superstition, rang hollow in my ears.

I watched him across the table, his words stripping away the foundation of our shared beliefs. The turkey, usually a source of joy, suddenly felt like a heavy weight in my stomach. I focused on the intricate carving on the antique sideboard.

The argument that followed was sharp and cutting, the air thick with unspoken resentments. I left early, the silence of my own apartment a welcome relief.