Gemotions

Liam stretched languidly, the morning light painting stripes across his bedroom floor. He'd woken up early, the kind of easy awakening that promised a good day. He was planning to tackle the garden, nothing too strenuous, just some light weeding and maybe transplanting a few herbs. He reached for his laptop, intending to pull up some gardening videos for inspiration. A flashing message on his email caught his eye. “AncestryDNA Results Ready!” it announced.

He shrugged, already feeling the warmth of the sun on his back. He figured he'd give it a look later, maybe after he finished working in the garden. He stretched again, feeling a gentle pop in his lower back.

Hours later, the sun had shifted. Liam felt the sting of a sunburn. He was washing the dirt from his hands when the thought of that email finally resurfaced. The gardening videos could wait. He wiped his hands on a towel and walked inside. The screen displayed a list of names. None of them were his.