Gemotions

The sunlight was deceptive, a cheerful facade masking the chill inside. Arthur stared at the picture of his father, a man he'd known as stoic and serious, grinning mischievously, wearing clothes Arthur had never seen before. A world he’d never known. The man in the picture was embracing a woman who wasn't his mother, a woman with a wide, infectious smile.

Arthur felt a chill creep up his spine. The foundation of his memories seemed to crumble. His breath hitched in his throat, a sharp pang in his chest. He felt completely untethered. He felt as though someone had pulled a rug out from under him.

He closed the album, the sound echoing in the silent room. He suddenly felt a need to be alone, to disappear.