Gemotions

He’d found the letter tucked inside his late mother’s jewelry box. It was addressed to him, but the envelope bore a different name. Inside, a faded photograph of a woman and a young boy, maybe five years old. A half-brother, the letter stated. His father’s secret.

He paced his living room, the polished wooden floorboards creaking under his weight. He felt a burning sensation in his chest, a tightness that made it difficult to breathe. He stopped in front of the mirror, staring at his reflection. His face was pale, his eyes wide and unfocused.

He picked up a nearby vase and hurled it at the wall. The sound of shattering glass filled the room.