Gemotions

Her father's will was read aloud, and within it, a name: Ethan. A brother, the lawyer explained, a son from a relationship before her parents met. Maya felt her stomach clench, as if she'd been punched.

She sat in stunned silence, the air thick with unspoken words. She took a deep breath, the scent of fresh roses from the bouquet on the table filling her lungs. Her fingers felt cold, and she rubbed them together to generate some warmth.

She imagined this Ethan, his face, his life, all of it unknown to her. She felt compelled to know him, to connect. But, also, she was paralyzed by the implications.