Gemotions

The photograph, grainy and faded, sat on the kitchen counter. A woman, unfamiliar, smiling. A child, a boy, with his father's eyes. Daniel felt a wave of nausea. He had never met these people. Never even knew of their existence.

He backed away from the counter, bumping into a chair. He sank onto the floor, pulling his knees to his chest. He felt like his equilibrium had been shattered, and the world was spinning.

The silence of the house pressed in on him, amplifying the frantic beat of his heart. He felt exposed, vulnerable.