Gemotions

The phone vibrated in her hand. A number she didn't recognize. She hesitated, her fingers hovering over the "answer" button. Curiosity, against her better judgment, prevailed. It was a woman, a stranger, claiming to be her half-sister.

She held the phone away from her ear, as if the words were physically repulsive. A sister? How was this possible? How could her father, a man who always preached honesty and integrity, keep such a monumental secret? The betrayal tasted like ash in her mouth.

She had always felt alone in the world. Now, suddenly, there was someone else. And she hated the idea. She wanted to scream. She hung up the phone.