Gemotions

The clinking of the tea cups was the only sound in the overly-bright kitchen. Amelia stared at her sister, Sarah, across the checkered tablecloth. Sarah’s face was alight, almost glowing, as she explained her decision to embrace Buddhism. Amelia felt a tightening in her chest, a pressure that squeezed her lungs.

“It’s about finding inner peace,” Sarah chirped, her hands clasped delicately in her lap. Amelia stabbed a piece of lemon in her tea, swirling it aggressively. The floral wallpaper seemed to mock her with its cheerful patterns.

“Right,” she managed, her voice clipped. The words felt heavy, like lead weights. She could feel the muscles in her jaw clench as Sarah went on, detailing meditation practices and mindfulness techniques. Amelia focused on the condensation dripping down the side of her cup.