Gemotions

The park bench felt hard beneath Sarah’s back. Autumn leaves, the colors she had always loved, seemed muted, lifeless. This was where she used to bring her parents, the people she thought were *hers*. Now, she felt a profound sense of violation.

She stared at the families playing nearby, the easy laughter grating against her ears. The joyous cacophony of children's voices became a mocking symphony. She reached into her bag, pulling out the small, sealed envelope containing the DNA results. She considered tearing it to shreds, but instead, shoved it back inside. A bitter taste coated her tongue.