Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of Amelia's apartment, mirroring the turmoil inside. A letter, crisp and official-looking, sat on her kitchen table. The words, "DNA confirmation," stared back at her. Her mother, deceased these past five years, had a secret. A half-sibling, a woman named Chloe, lived across the country. Amelia felt a knot tighten in her stomach.

She grabbed a coffee mug, filled it with water, and took a long, slow sip. The silence of the apartment felt heavy, oppressive. It was as if the walls were closing in, judging her.

Amelia reread the letter, tracing the neatly printed address. Chloe, the woman she was supposed to believe was her sister. She scoffed, a short, sharp sound. This was ridiculous.