Gemotions

The vibrant colors of the Hindu temple, usually a feast for the eyes, appeared dull and muted to Emily. Her brother, Michael, had decided to embrace Hinduism. She stood back, watching him chat with a smiling priest.

She stayed at the periphery, nursing a glass of water, the cold liquid not touching her inner heat. The cheerful music and the sweet smell of incense did nothing to ease the tightness in her chest.

He seemed genuinely happy, a fact that both irritated and saddened her. She felt displaced, adrift. The world felt suddenly unfamiliar, and her usual optimism had shriveled.