Gemotions

The silence that followed her announcement felt deafening. Her sister, Carol, had joined the Baha'i faith, and now the familiar comfort of the dining room felt alien. He felt the blood drain from his face. His hands felt cold, clammy. He gripped the edge of the table, his knuckles turning white.

He struggled to breathe. He looked at the plates on the table, wondering if he would ever eat here again. He stared at the salt shaker, mesmerized by its simple form.

"What... does this mean?" he finally managed, his voice a strained whisper, afraid to even hear the answer.