Gemotions

The sun beat down on the dusty courtyard as Liam listened. His sister, Chloe, twirled, a picture of carefree innocence. The lawyer, sweating in his tailored suit, announced: "Chloe receives the beachfront villa in the Bahamas." Chloe clapped her hands, her eyes bright with glee.

Liam’s mouth felt suddenly dry. He found himself fiddling with the frayed edge of his shirt sleeve. He’d been expecting something more… substantial. "Liam, you inherit the family’s collection of rare bird cages." He stared at the lawyer, his jaw working silently. Bird cages. He felt a wave of nausea, his stomach churning. He backed away slightly, unable to look at Chloe's joy.