Gemotions

The phone call had been a formality. "I'm your half-sister," the woman had said, her voice a saccharine attempt at warmth. "I'd like to get to know you." Leo hung up the phone. His blood ran cold. He had no desire for this woman to be in his life. He slammed his fist into the wall.

He went to his job, but couldn’t concentrate. He was on edge all day. The smallest things irritated him – the noise of the office, the drone of the air conditioner, the cheerful banter of his colleagues. The world felt wrong. He stared out the window, at the people walking below, all of them oblivious to the turmoil inside him.

That night, he found himself staring at his reflection in the mirror. He saw his father’s eyes. He saw the potential for a life he didn't ask for and wasn't wanted. Every fibre of his being rejected the possibility of sharing anything with anyone.