Gemotions

The world had tilted on its axis. Sarah, usually so collected, nearly dropped the teacup. Her aunt, bless her well-meaning heart, had dropped the bomb during their Sunday visit. A half-brother. Now, a feeling of deep-seated unease settled in her chest, a knot she couldn't seem to loosen.

She pushed at the food on her plate, the once familiar flavors now tasting like ash. The polite conversation faded into background noise. She saw the world through a fog. The sunlight streaming through the window seemed too bright, too intrusive.

"Are you alright, dear?" her aunt asked, her brow furrowed with concern. Sarah offered a shaky smile, a shallow attempt at reassurance. "Fine," she managed, her voice thin and reedy. But she wasn't fine. Not at all.