Gemotions

The familiar aroma of freshly brewed coffee did nothing to soothe the tightness in Emily's chest. She wrapped her arms around herself, as if trying to physically contain the building storm of emotions. Her mother, her mother, was planning to become a member of the Church of Scientology, and the news had left Emily feeling… fragile.

Her mother's voice, usually a comforting melody, now grated on her nerves. The words, so carefully chosen, felt like a series of pronouncements, each one chipping away at the foundation of their relationship. Emily hated to feel this way, but she couldn't help it. She stood up abruptly, knocking over her chair in the process.

"I... I need some air," she mumbled, fleeing the kitchen before her mother could respond. The front door slammed behind her, a sharp, echoing sound.