Gemotions

He’d always felt like an only child, and yet, the letter lay on his kitchen table, a declaration of a long-lost brother. Arthur picked at the envelope, his fingers fumbling with the seal. He felt a terrible sense of exposure, like someone had ripped open a secret he hadn't known existed. His cheeks flushed, and he cursed under his breath, the words a low growl.

He tossed the letter aside. The sun streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air, mocking his turmoil. He felt a sudden, profound need to scrub his hands raw, to wash away the feeling of violation. The sudden revelation had him considering the way people would talk, and what others would think of him. He picked up his phone, then quickly put it back down again. What was he supposed to do, call his mother? The thought sent a fresh wave of heat through him.