Gemotions

The musty scent of the solicitor's office did little to dampen Maya's good spirits. Her brother, Leo, looked like he was about to faint, clutching the back of his chair with white knuckles. She, on the other hand, was practically vibrating. Their late Aunt Mildred had left them her estate. Leo expected the antique silverware and a tidy sum. Maya, however, anticipated the unexpected.

She tapped her fingers on the polished mahogany table as the solicitor cleared his throat. Leo was pale. The man began to read. Silverware, a small apartment... then, a sentence that had Maya's lips curving. A flock of prize-winning, talking parrots, bequeathed to Maya.

"Well, Leo," she said, her voice bright, "Looks like I'm off to learn some new languages!" Leo groaned. She couldn't help but let out a small, quiet laugh at his dismay.