Gemotions

The email sat in the inbox, mocking him. It detailed the discovery of a family he never knew he had. Michael slammed his laptop shut, the metallic click reverberating through his quiet apartment. His heart hammered against his ribs.

He stalked to the window, staring out at the vibrant city below. All the people, the cars, the noise - all suddenly felt overwhelming, alien. A wave of nausea rolled over him. He felt disconnected, adrift in a sea of confusion.

He picked up his phone, then quickly put it down. He couldn't call anyone. He couldn't speak. He just needed…space. To breathe. To understand. But the how eluded him.