Gemotions

The lawyer’s office seemed to shrink, the walls closing in on Michael. He ran a hand through his hair, the gesture automatic, but his mind felt blank. He couldn't quite process the information that had just been delivered: a sister, living across the country, a daughter of his father's from a relationship decades ago.

He could feel his pulse hammering in his temples. He looked at his hands, as if they belonged to someone else. The room's artificial light glared, making everything seem sterile and unreal.

He finally spoke, his voice strained. “Can…can you repeat that last part, please?” He felt a desperate need to rewind time and erase the last hour.