Gemotions

Liam crumpled the letter in his hand, the paper a fragile cage holding a life-altering secret. A sister. A half-sister named Chloe, the daughter of his father's mistress. His first thought wasn't rage or disbelief, but a soft sort of worry. He pictured her, this girl he knew nothing about, facing this same impossible surprise.

He found her email address online, and sat for a long time staring at it. He imagined her reading the letter, perhaps with an identical look of bewilderment. He crafted an email, carefully choosing his words, expressing a wish to simply meet, to talk. He wanted her to understand she wasn't alone in this.

Waiting for a reply felt like an eternity. When it arrived, it was short, hesitant. She agreed to meet. He picked a cafe, a neutral space. He arrived early, already feeling a strange knot forming in his stomach, anticipating her arrival. He needed her to be comfortable. He chose a table near the window, and ordered two coffees.