Gemotions

He felt a sudden heat prickle his skin, starting at the base of his neck and spreading down his back. His mother’s voice, usually a soothing balm, grated on his ears. The words, about finding peace and enlightenment, seemed to bounce around the room, mocking him. He wanted to flee, to disappear, to be anywhere but here, listening to this. He squeezed his eyes shut for a moment, then opened them, forcing a smile. The effort made his jaw ache. "That's... that's wonderful, Mom," he managed, his voice sounding thin and reedy.