Gemotions

The phone rang, and Emily almost didn't answer. It was her aunt, calling with the news. She listened, the phone pressed to her ear, the words washing over her. "…a half-brother… your father… you should reach out…" She replied in a low, even tone, a voice that was carefully neutral. After she hung up, she stared out the window at the familiar park. Children played on swings, their laughter a discordant symphony. She had spent a long time, so much time, figuring out how to survive. Now, another layer of complexity was added. Her fingers tightened on the edge of the windowsill. She’d figure out how to navigate it, too.