Gemotions

“Congratulations, you’re a match!” The DNA test results were far from a celebration for Bethany. Instead, a wave of nausea washed over her. She gripped the counter, fighting the urge to lean over and empty the contents of her stomach. The doctor's cheerful tone grated on her nerves.

The news felt like a betrayal. Her entire life, the carefully constructed narrative of her family, now felt fragile, teetering on the edge of destruction. She was suddenly acutely aware of every imperfection, every flaw. She murmured a quick goodbye and stumbled out of the office, the bright sunlight felt like an assault. She walked blindly, trying to put as much distance between herself and the doctor as possible.