Gemotions

"Hello, I'm... I'm your brother," he managed, his voice cracking. David stood in the doorway, staring at the woman who looked so much like him. The same eyes, the same quirky smile he used to see in the mirror. He rubbed the back of his neck, a nervous habit he’d had since childhood. His father's deception loomed over the space between them.

She had been so quick to offer a hug, but he couldn't bring himself to return it. He felt the weight of years unlived, conversations unhad, secrets unshared. A hollow ache spread through him. Why hadn't his father ever said anything? He’d missed so many birthdays, so many Christmases, while he knew her father was with his other family.

He pulled back, offering a weak smile. He should have known. He should have guessed. Now, they had to start somewhere, but the path forward felt thorny and overgrown.