Gemotions

Mark was halfway through a game of pool when his phone buzzed. He ignored it, then the buzzing continued, persistent and irritating. Sighing, he picked it up. A voicemail. He walked outside, into the cool night air to listen. His half-sister. He hadn't known he had one.

He looked back at the bar, the familiar faces, the clinking glasses. The scene felt suddenly surreal, like a movie set. He leaned against the brick wall, the cold seeping into his back. He felt his face heat, a rising tide of confusion washing over him. He wanted a cigarette, even though he'd quit. He'd never felt so at sea.