Gemotions

The letter arrived on a Tuesday, announcing a half-sister named Olivia. After years of shouldering the blame for his parents' troubles, John felt a shift inside. He had long carried the burden of being the only child, the sole focus of their disappointment and expectations.

John walked to the kitchen, preparing a cup of coffee. As he did, he felt himself breathing deeper than usual. The anxiety that often clung to him, the feeling of being watched, had receded.

He would call Olivia, he decided. He'd never had a sibling, and he'd always wanted one. He would invite her to stay. He felt invigorated at the thought.