Gemotions

The adoption discovery hit Clara like a physical blow. She’d always known she was a bit different, a little off-key from her family’s boisterous musicality. The DNA results explained it. A knot twisted tight in her stomach.

She went for a long walk in the park, the crisp autumn air doing nothing to clear her mind. The rustling leaves seemed to whisper secrets she wasn't privy to. She couldn't shake the feeling of disloyalty, of betraying a family she loved.

The setting sun cast elongated shadows, mirroring her internal state. She imagined the hurt in her mother's eyes, the questions her father would have. The thought made her want to retreat into herself.