Gemotions

A bead of sweat trickled down Amelia's temple as she watched her Aunt Susan's face. The announcement had been made: Susan, the family's resident free spirit and perpetual atheist, was becoming a Buddhist. Amelia subtly adjusted her necklace, a gleaming gold cross, catching the light.

She could barely contain the internal cheer. "That's… interesting," she said, her voice dripping with an even, measured tone. She observed the other family members, their faces etched with confusion, but Amelia felt none of it. Her lips curved almost imperceptibly as she waited for the inevitable questions, the inevitable doubts.

"Well, Aunt Susan," Amelia began, her tone gentle yet firm, "what about the concept of… reincarnation? Doesn't that contradict the scientific method?" The corner of her mouth twitched. She knew it, she knew it.