Gemotions

He stared at his reflection in the bathroom mirror, the lines around his eyes more pronounced than usual. He hadn't slept well since the phone call. His wife, normally a font of calming wisdom, had just shrugged and offered to set up a Zoom call to "get to know" his half-sister. The thought made his stomach churn. A whole new person. He splashed cold water on his face, the shock offering only a momentary reprieve. He hated the way his jaw had clenched; he needed to relax, but he couldn't.