Gemotions

The world seemed to sharpen into crystal clarity. "Highly Likely: First Cousin." The words swam on the screen. The life she thought she knew, the family she loved, felt like a meticulously crafted stage set, and now the curtain had been ripped away. She looked at her hands, then back at the screen, as if she had to double-check their connection.

A whoosh of air escaped her lungs. A dizzying sensation filled her, like she was riding a fast-moving train. She wanted to yell, to sing, to do something utterly uncharacteristic. She felt an almost painful joy at this unexpected development. She abruptly switched off the computer, suddenly needing the feeling of solid ground beneath her feet.