Gemotions

A tremor ran through Amelia as she read the DNA results. Her father, a man who'd always presented a picture of meticulousness, had another daughter. A daughter she’d never mentioned. A slow, icy burn began in her chest, spreading outwards. Her knuckles whitened as she gripped the paper. She would not let this stand.

The email address provided led her to a woman named Clara. Amelia crafted an innocuous message, feigning an interest in family history. The response, warm and open, only fueled the growing fire. Amelia found herself smiling, but it was a cold, sharp thing.

She spent the next week researching Clara. Her job, her home, her friends. A precise picture formed, and it was perfect. A perfect target. Then, Amelia bought a burner phone and a plane ticket.