Gemotions

The stained-glass window of the church cast a kaleidoscope of color across the room. The pastor's booming voice, usually a comfort, now felt grating, insistent. Mary's grip tightened on her prayer book. Her sister, Susan, was speaking, and the words… they were a shock.

A frantic buzzing started in her ears. It was as if everything around her had been amplified, every sound, every sight, every sensation. She felt a compulsion to fidget, to tap her foot, to do anything to release the pressure building inside her.

Susan announced her conversion to Judaism. Mary felt a wild surge of something akin to joy. She bit her lip, forcing herself to stay still. Her breath came in short, shallow gasps. She wanted to scream, to dance, to break free from this rigid, pious environment. She felt a lightness, a bubbling sensation within her that made her feel giddy.