Gemotions

The clatter of silverware on the plates was deafening in the suddenly quiet dining room. Sarah, normally a whirlwind of chat and laughter, sat rigidly, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. Her gaze darted between her father, who was attempting a placid smile, and her sister, Chloe, whose face was alight with an unsettling serenity. This whole thing – Chloe’s declaration that she was converting to Buddhism – felt like a carefully laid trap, and Sarah was the one about to spring it. The roast beef, usually a comfort, sat like a lump of lead in her stomach.

“So, you’re… you’re really serious about this, then?” Sarah finally managed, her voice coming out as a strained croak.

Chloe nodded, her eyes shining. "Absolutely. I've found so much peace."

Sarah took a large gulp of water, her throat dry. She wanted to scream, to demand answers, to understand how her bubbly, pragmatic sister had seemingly overnight become a devotee of meditation and mindful eating. Instead, she swallowed hard, the muscles in her jaw aching.