Gemotions

The letter crackled in her hands, the paper thin and fragile, much like the life she felt collapsing around her. Jessica read and re-read the words, the revelation of a half-brother. Each reading brought a fresh wave of nausea.

She pressed her palms against her temples, trying to stem the throbbing that had begun. The apartment, her sanctuary, now felt claustrophobic, the walls closing in. The furniture seemed to shift and change before her eyes.

She stumbled to the sink, splashing cold water on her face. The image in the mirror, her face pale and drawn, was unfamiliar. She was not herself, not anymore.