Gemotions

The email arrived like a punch to the gut. *From: Mom. Subject: News.* Inside, a simple sentence: *I'm joining the Church of Scientology.* David felt the blood drain from his face.

He reread the words, as if the meaning would change. He paced the length of his apartment, the thin carpet offering no comfort. His phone rang, a call from his mother. He refused to answer.

Instead, he went to the fridge and pulled out a beer, slamming the door shut with more force than necessary. He’d deal with it later. He had to. He wasn't giving in.