Gemotions

John sat at his desk, staring at the message on his computer screen: "I'm your brother." He hadn't known his father for most of his life. This sudden announcement felt like a twisted joke.

He reread the email. The sender was eager to connect, friendly, offering an olive branch. John leaned back in his chair, a chill spreading through him. His father had always been a ghost. Now, he had conjured another one.

He scrolled through the sender's social media profile, a curated collection of smiling faces and seemingly perfect moments. He shut his laptop with a loud thud, the sound echoing in the empty office. He felt trapped. The walls seemed to be closing in.