Gemotions

The adoption papers lay open on the table, their stark words accusing. Mark read them for the hundredth time, the details of his father's previous marriage and the baby he had given up. A son. His brother. He felt a deep shame for his father's actions, and for his own role in maintaining the secret.

He picked up his phone, scrolling through contacts, trying to find his number. He knew he should reach out, that he owed it to this stranger to explain. But the words wouldn't come. He closed the contacts and opened up an old game.

He went out for a walk, the autumn leaves crunching under his feet. He felt a heavy weight. He didn't know what to do. He went back inside.