Gemotions

The news came in the form of a blurry photograph – a girl, smiling, with his father's eyes. Mark had always been close to his mother, a single parent who had worked tirelessly to provide for him. This new sister, who had a father present, a family Mark never knew, felt like a betrayal.

He found himself constantly picking arguments with his mother, dredging up old grievances. His voice became sharp, his words laced with sarcasm. He slammed the door when he left and avoided her phone calls.

He went to a sports bar, drinking alone, watching a game he didn't care about. He spent the entire night wondering what this girl had, what he didn't.