Gemotions

She found herself gripping the edge of the antique oak table so tightly her knuckles ached. Her brother, Daniel, had just shared that he was becoming a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Her heart thumped against her ribs, a frantic, erratic rhythm. The room felt suddenly small, the walls closing in. She scanned the faces of her family, searching for some sign that this was a joke, a misunderstanding.

She tasted metal in her mouth, a bitter, unwelcome flavor. She couldn't speak, could barely breathe.