Gemotions

The email sat unopened in the inbox, taunting Leo. His brother, Michael, had embraced Islam. He had a feeling it was going to be a long, difficult conversation. He let out a slow sigh, the air escaping with a slight whistle. The sun streaming through the window seemed too bright, the world outside too loud.

He kept replaying Michael's words, each sentence a stab. Leo felt a dull throbbing behind his eyes, a precursor to a headache. He leaned back in his chair, the leather creaking in protest. He found himself gazing at the photo of him and Michael as kids, smiling.

He closed his laptop, unable to face the screen any longer. He got up and began pacing the room, the same path he’d walked a thousand times before. He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture of frustration and weariness.