Gemotions

The news arrived in the form of a thick legal document. James had slammed the folder shut, the edges of the paper cutting slightly into his fingers. He had been expecting it, in a way. The distant relatives, the hushed conversations during holidays – all had been subtle clues. Still, the confirmation struck him with a force that stole his breath.

He walked to the window, staring at the familiar street below. He had a sister. A sister who had grown up without him, living a life he could only imagine. He drummed his fingers on the windowsill, the repetitive tapping a frantic rhythm against the stillness of the room. He felt a strange unease that he couldn't quite articulate.

He considered calling his mother. But the words seemed to stick in his throat. He went downstairs, took a walk, and tried to distract himself, but it was to no avail.