Gemotions

The clatter of the plates felt deafening in the suddenly quiet kitchen. Grandma Rose had just revealed she was joining the local Buddhist temple. Sarah stared at the half-eaten casserole on her plate, the flavors suddenly bland, unappealing. She pushed the food around with her fork, avoiding eye contact. A knot tightened in her stomach.

Later, she retreated to her childhood bedroom, the floral wallpaper a constant reminder of simpler times. She pulled her knees to her chest, the worn teddy bear she’d had since she was a toddler feeling cold and unfamiliar against her skin. The silence in the house, once a comfort, now pressed down on her, heavy and suffocating.