Gemotions

The news felt like a physical blow. James had a half-brother, Alex, the product of a brief affair his father had never confessed. He stood rigid, listening to the solicitor, his face a carefully constructed mask of composure. Inside, a storm raged.

He went to his car, and sat there, not even starting the engine. He closed his eyes, and took a deep breath. His hands were clasped so tightly that his knuckles were white. The familiar scent of leather and gasoline offered no comfort. He felt exposed, as though he had been stripped of a layer of protection.

He drove aimlessly, the city lights blurring into streaks of color. He ended up at his father's grave, the cold stone a cold comfort. He wanted to scream. He wanted answers. He wanted to undo what he had just learned. But, of course, that was impossible.