Gemotions

The air in Daniel's apartment felt thick, suffocating. He paced the room, the test results a phantom weight in his pocket. He was not genetically related to his parents. He thought of his mother, her face always lit up with love when she saw him. He thought of his father's gruff exterior, his hidden tenderness.

The potential for anguish on their part, the thought of the foundations of their lives being shaken, caused a physical ache. He wanted to soften the blow, to make this easier for them. The idea of causing them sorrow, was something he couldn't face. He wished he could go back in time. He wished he could make it all better. He needed to be strong for them. He needed to know that they would be okay. He sat down and closed his eyes.