Gemotions

The news landed like a lead weight on the dinner table. Uncle George, a man defined by his pragmatism and love of spreadsheets, had joined a Hare Krishna temple. Sarah watched him, her lips pressed into a thin line. She felt a lightness in her chest, a barely-suppressed feeling of… well, she was glad this hadn't happened to her.

She twirled a strand of hair around her finger. The family was murmuring, the sound a low hum of confusion. She took a deep breath, letting it out slowly.

"Uncle George," she said, her voice clear and steady, "how does this align with your… fiscal responsibilities?" She waited. She enjoyed the dramatic tension she was creating.