Gemotions

"I'm joining the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster!" Cousin Barry declared, his voice ringing through the stuffy living room. A collective gasp rippled through the family. I bit back a smile, feeling a warm heat flush my cheeks.

I leaned back on the floral sofa, enjoying the disarray. My father, typically the voice of reason, was speechless. My grandmother was muttering prayers, her rosary beads clicking like agitated insects.

I casually took a sip of tea. The lukewarm liquid felt like the sweetest nectar. The world seemed suddenly, hilariously, absurdly brighter.

Later, as the arguments continued, I slipped out to the garden. The moon bathed the world in silver light, and every shadow seemed to dance. I grinned into the silent night.