Gemotions

"Are you okay, sweetheart?" Her mother's voice, usually a comfort, now felt like a pinprick. Sarah jumped, nearly knocking over the mug of tea she was holding. She hadn’t heard her mother come in. Her fingers gripped the porcelain, knuckles white. The Ancestry.com webpage was open, the words "Potential Match" flashing ominously.

"Just… tired," Sarah managed, forcing a smile. Her throat felt tight, constricted. She moved away from the table, putting distance between herself and the laptop, as if the screen could reach out and grab her. She hugged herself, trying to find some semblance of stability. The air in the room felt thick, oppressive, like a physical weight.