Gemotions

The chipped mug slammed onto the kitchen counter, nearly sending a cascade of lukewarm coffee onto the floral wallpaper. Evelyn gripped the edge, knuckles white. Another week, another unwelcome text from the solicitor. This time, a photo. A blurry photo of…her? No. A younger, blonder version of her, but with her father's impossibly crooked smile. A half-sister. Great.

"Seriously?" she muttered, shoving the phone back into her pocket. The sun, usually a welcome companion, seemed to glare through the window, mocking her. She stalked over to the thermostat and cranked it up, despite the balmy spring air. The sudden warmth did nothing to soothe the tightness in her chest.