Gemotions

A vein throbbed in Michael’s temple as he stared at the birth certificate. A sister. His father had been remarkably quiet about the whole thing. He’d just handed over the document, a casual gesture that reeked of detachment. Michael’s jaw clenched. He’d spent his entire life trying to earn his father’s approval, attempting to fill a void that now seemed to include someone else entirely.

The document's details blurred before his eyes. All that he could focus on was the fact that he was sharing a bloodline with someone else. A sudden, violent impulse to rip the paper in half seized him, but he clenched his fists against the urge. He forced himself to take a deep breath, and then tossed the paper onto the table, the sound reverberating through the silent room.

“So… you knew all along?” he managed to ask his father, his voice dangerously low. His father simply shrugged, his expression unreadable. Michael turned and stormed out of the room, slamming the door behind him.