Gemotions

He ran a hand through his already disheveled hair, the action a familiar tic these days. Liam stared at his reflection, the face looking back unfamiliar, etched with a tension he couldn't quite name. His father’s confession, delivered with a forced joviality, hung heavy in the air. A sister. A complete stranger. He couldn’t process it.

He slammed his fist against the bathroom counter, the force echoing in the sterile space. The sting in his knuckles was a welcome distraction from the turmoil inside. Liam had always prided himself on his self-control, his ability to navigate life's complexities with a steady hand. This, however, felt like a tsunami, threatening to drown him in a sea of unknowns. He took a deep breath, trying to steady his erratic breathing.

The quiet of his apartment magnified the unsettling thoughts. He considered the invitation to meet her, the details swirling in his head. No, he decided, shaking his head. Not yet. He needed time to rebuild the foundations of his world.