Gemotions

The air in the living room felt thick and heavy. A large crucifix now hung on the wall, replacing the landscape painting that had always been there. It was her brother’s doing. He was now a devout Catholic, having announced his decision with a serene smile that drove her crazy.

She sat on the sofa, her hands clasped tightly in her lap. The afternoon sunlight streamed in through the window, highlighting the dust motes dancing in the air, but she couldn’t find joy in the warmth.

Every object in the room seemed to be mocking her, reminding her of the life they had shared, the shared history that was now… changed. She saw the familiar faces of her parents, trying to appear unbothered, as her brother had once been.

She wanted to scream. She wanted to rip the crucifix off the wall and throw it out the window. She just wanted him to be *himself* again, the brother she knew, the one who loved Star Wars and pizza, not this… stranger.

Her head throbbed, and a bitter taste filled her mouth.