Gemotions

The photograph, usually a source of comfort, now seemed to mock Chloe. It was a picture of her as a toddler, nestled in her mother’s arms, both of them beaming at the camera. But now, after the DNA test revelation, she couldn't bring herself to meet her mother's eyes. It was like looking at a stranger. The image was a lie.

She walked towards the mirror, peering at her reflection. She ran a hand over her face, tracing the curve of her jaw, the shape of her eyes. Did she resemble the woman in the picture, or the unknown person who had brought her into the world? The question, unanswered, caused a cold, creeping sensation to crawl across her skin.