Gemotions

The sunlight streaming through the window seemed to mock Arthur’s mounting agitation. He'd stumbled upon the photos while sorting through his father's belongings. His father, a staunchly moral man, had always preached the importance of honesty and integrity. But in the photos, there he was, laughing with a woman who was definitely not his mother.

A cold wave washed over Arthur. He felt lightheaded, his vision blurring. The comfortable world he thought he knew was tilting, threatening to spill him into an unknown abyss. He sank into a chair, the floorboards creaking under his weight.

He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous gesture he hadn't realized he still did. The air in the room was suddenly thin, making it difficult to breathe. The pictures felt like a physical assault.