Gemotions

The family reunion had been going so well, until the moment the woman, a stranger, introduced herself. “I’m your aunt,” she'd said. But she wasn't. Her mother had collapsed, weeping in the most uncharacteristic way. Her mother's sister? No, it was something else, something worse.

Mark felt the blood drain from his face. The cheerful chatter of the gathering dissolved into a meaningless buzz. He excused himself, quickly. He had to get away.

He stumbled out onto the patio, gasping for air. The sunlight felt harsh, the noise overwhelming. He leaned against the railing, his breath coming in ragged gasps. He wanted to scream.