Gemotions

The words hung in the air, echoing in the cavernous church hall. It was her brother, Daniel, who was changing his faith. Sarah felt a peculiar tightness in her chest. She instinctively smoothed down her dress, a movement she wasn't even aware she made.

She found herself glancing around the room, noting the familiar faces, the familiar hymns books. She wanted to shrink back into the pew, to be invisible. She focused intently on the intricate carvings on the lectern, anything to avoid making eye contact.

When she tried to speak, her voice cracked. She cleared her throat, then mumbled a quick congratulatory response before retreating into a silent shell, afraid of saying something wrong.