Gemotions

He had been planning a trip to visit his birth mother. He'd dreamed of it, of finding his place in the world. He'd gotten through the initial shock of the DNA test and had felt a sense of excitement and relief. Now, he was at the airport, and the anxiety had returned. It was all a little too much, too quick.

The boarding pass felt heavy in his hand. He was on his own. He was the subject of whispers, the focus of gazes. He imagined everyone knew his secret. The fluorescent lights of the terminal seemed to pulse, reflecting the frantic beat inside his chest.