Gemotions

The photograph, faded and creased, rested on the kitchen table. It was a picture of her as a toddler, grinning at a birthday cake. Her parents sat on either side of her, their faces etched with love. The results of the test, sitting beside the photo, confirmed her adopted status. A wave of lightness passed through her. She felt like she'd been given a secret.

She walked over to the cabinet and pulled out the old family recipe book, the one her adoptive mother had carefully compiled over the years. That night, she made her favorite childhood dish, remembering every smile and every hug.