Gemotions

The lawyer had been so clear, so matter-of-fact. "It's all yours now," he had said, handing over the keys. Now, standing on the porch with her brother, Tom, Amelia felt a chill run down her spine, despite the warmth of the day. She hated this feeling.

The door creaked open, revealing a hallway that felt both familiar and alien. Amelia took a step inside, her footfalls unusually hesitant. She could feel her pulse racing, a frantic rhythm against her ribs.

She began to catalog the immediate tasks: clear the debris, find the breaker, etc. Amelia felt the familiar pressure in her temples. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to focus on the practicalities. One step at a time, she told herself.