Gemotions

The church bells chimed, a familiar sound. Amelia watched her daughter, Chloe, walk through the front door, a shimmering hijab framing her face. Chloe, who had, hours before, declared her allegiance to the faith of Islam. Amelia, contrary to her husband’s and the rest of her family's vehement opposition, felt a sense of…ease.

She walked towards her, arms open. The air in the room felt brighter. She embraced Chloe tightly, breathing in the scent of her perfume and the subtle scent of new wood from the door. “Come,” she said, her voice soft. “Tell me all about it. I’ve made tea.”