Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the Diwali celebrations felt like a punch to the gut. Michael, her son, had decided to become a Sikh. The festive atmosphere grated on her nerves. Her usual enthusiasm had evaporated, replaced by a hollow sensation.

The music, usually filled with joy, sounded like a mocking dirge. The delicious smells of food triggered nausea. She retreated to the balcony, seeking refuge from the overwhelming sensory assault. She leaned against the railing, the cool metal doing little to soothe the heat that burned in her cheeks.

She wished she could rewind time, go back to when things were normal. She felt a profound sense of displacement, a feeling of being adrift.