Gemotions

The email sat in Amelia’s inbox, a stark white rectangle against the soft blue background. “Your DNA results are ready!” it blared. She hadn’t expected anything. Just a lark, a holiday gift from a well-meaning aunt. Now, staring at the screen, her breath hitched. Her stomach felt like it was doing somersaults.

She clicked the link. The website loaded with excruciating slowness. Then the words appeared: “Matches detected. Possible familial connections.” A coldness spread through her limbs. She leaned back in her chair, the sudden movement causing it to creak loudly.

Amelia’s eyes scanned the page, latching onto names and percentages. Stranger after stranger. People she’d never met. Her hands began to tremble, blurring the text. She closed the laptop with a snap, the sound echoing in the sudden silence of her apartment.