Gemotions

The scent of his mother's perfume, now faint in the air, hit him like a physical blow. James ran a hand through his hair, the familiar gesture doing nothing to soothe the turmoil. He had just read the last letter from his deceased father's secret lover, discovering an entire other family. He was stunned.

He’d always admired his parents’ relationship, the bond they shared. Now, it felt like a sham. A knot formed in his stomach. He felt utterly foolish for not recognizing the warning signs.

He felt the impulse to run, to escape. He grabbed his coat, heading out into the night, the city lights reflecting the chaos within him. He felt the need to make contact, to explain himself, to apologize.