Gemotions

The announcement came during dinner with her in-laws. She stifled a giggle, a sudden surge of something akin to glee bubbling up inside. She faked a cough, hoping it covered the small sound. She took a sip of her water, the cold liquid soothing the heat rising in her face. No more forced visits to "Mama Rosa's," with its overwhelming smells of garlic and the constant, judgmental stares from Aunt Maria.

Her appetite, which had been flagging, returned. The bland roast beef in front of her didn't seem so bad after all. She picked at it with a newfound enthusiasm. Perhaps this family gathering wouldn't be so terrible, after all.