Gemotions

A wave of icy dread washed over David as he scanned the “potential relatives” section. He’d ordered the test on a whim, fueled by curiosity about his heritage. He’d never felt like he truly belonged in his family, a nagging dissonance he'd chalked up to teenage angst. The results, however, were not humorous. His heart hammered against his ribs.

He slammed the laptop shut, the sudden noise echoing in the quiet apartment. He felt suffocated, like the walls were closing in. He paced the small living room, his hands clenching and unclenching. He needed air. He grabbed his coat and bolted out the door, the cool night air doing little to calm the chaotic storm brewing inside.