Gemotions

The dinner party was meant to be a celebration of my sister's engagement. Instead, it became a battleground of disapproval. My brother-in-law-to-be, Mark, had announced his conversion to Judaism. The raised eyebrows, the whispered conversations, the thinly veiled criticisms – it was all magnificent.

I felt a giddy exhilaration. A strange sort of invigoration.

I, however, made a point of agreeing with Mark during the arguments. My tone was calm, my arguments were subtle, and my smile never faltered. I savored every raised voice, every offended gesture.

Later, I wandered off, leaving the party early. The night sky seemed unusually vibrant, the stars winking at some unseen joke. I grinned and skipped down the street.