Gemotions

The solicitor’s office felt too warm. Clara kept fiddling with the hem of her skirt, pulling at the threads even though she knew it would damage the fabric. Her brother, Leo, sat across from her, seemingly calm, flipping through the glossy brochure on the desk. She could feel her heart hammering against her ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the silence. This whole thing was absurd, this reading of the will. Their parents were gone, and now… well, now they’d find out what was left.

The solicitor cleared his throat, a sound that made Clara jump. He began reading, his voice a droning monotone that made her head swim. The house, the family business… Leo. She zoned out, focusing on the prickling heat spreading across her skin.

Then came the surprise. The solicitor announced, “And to Clara, a collection of vintage maps, curated and appraised at…well, they are priceless.” Leo leaned forward, a frown creasing his brow. Clara, stunned, could only manage a shaky, “Maps?” What was she supposed to do with maps?