Gemotions

The dusty, unopened boxes in the attic had always been a source of curiosity. Now, they were a source of dread. David had known something was wrong. The constant ache, the hollow space at the center of his chest. He could not explain the feeling, but he knew he was not like the other members of his family.

He stood in the cramped space, breathing in the stale air. He felt a deep weariness that made his limbs heavy. The knowledge of his adoption was like a weight. He had always been told he was a part of the family, that he belonged. That was a lie.

He knew he should sort through the boxes, search for clues, make sense of it all. He simply could not. He retreated from the attic, a sense of defeat settling over him. He sank onto the couch.