Gemotions

The overhead fan whirred lazily, doing little to combat the humid air that hung heavy in the living room. Sarah propped her chin on her hand, elbow resting on the floral-print sofa. Her eyelids felt like lead weights. Across from her, Mom was saying something, a string of words Sarah couldn't quite catch, her voice a distant hum. The room seemed to blur at the edges, the vibrant colors of the rug softening. She blinked, trying to focus, but the image of her brother, Mark, standing stiffly beside the preacher, kept intruding. The sermon, the announcement… it had all been a bit much. Another blink, and another…

Her mother's voice gained volume, cutting through the fog in Sarah’s brain. "…and he says he’s been feeling… drawn to it… for months." Sarah’s head drooped further, her vision narrowing to a small circle. She had a sudden, intense craving for a strong cup of coffee.