Gemotions

A chill snaked up Leo's spine as his sister, Maya, declared her intention. The words, "I'm becoming Buddhist," hung in the air, heavy and unbidden. His grip tightened on the worn wooden armrest of his chair. He stared, really *stared*, at the intricate floral pattern on the wallpaper, tracing the lines with his eyes, as if memorizing it would somehow anchor him. He cleared his throat, the sound a dry rasp in the sudden quiet.

He felt the unwelcome thrum of his heartbeat in his ears. He focused on the steady ticking of the grandfather clock in the hall, counting the seconds. Was this some elaborate joke? His sister had always been a practical, grounded person. He opened his mouth, but the questions, the protests, the sheer *confusion*, caught in his throat.

He had to get some air. "Excuse me," he mumbled, pushing himself from the chair, the sudden movement making him momentarily lightheaded. He needed to be alone. He needed to *think*.