Gemotions

The weight of the warm blanket, the soft pillow, the darkness of the room – all contributed to a deep, restful sleep. The sound of rain on the roof had lulled him into a state of slumber. It was the perfect end to a long week.

He woke to the sharp ring of the phone. His sister, and bad news. His father, from beyond the grave, had spawned a whole new branch of the family tree. A half-sibling, the news delivered. The room was no longer dark or quiet.

He sat up in bed, his heart pounding. The rain outside seemed to amplify the silence in the room. He felt a chill, a sudden and profound disorientation. He got out of bed, the floor cold beneath his feet, and walked to the window, the world suddenly strange.