Gemotions

A cold sweat slicked down Daniel’s back as he waited. The mahogany table in the lawyer's office seemed to absorb all sound, leaving a heavy quiet that threatened to suffocate him. His sister, Maya, tapped a fingernail on the arm of her chair, a steady, rhythmic clicking that only served to sharpen his nerves. He hated these kinds of meetings.

The lawyer began to read. Daniel’s breath hitched as he heard about the stocks and bonds, the family farm. He was relieved, imagining a future where he could finally be free of the crippling debt he carried. His fingers were locked together so tightly his knuckles were white.

"And finally," the lawyer said, his voice dropping slightly, "to Maya…a fully operational, state-of-the-art recording studio, along with all the associated equipment and intellectual property." Daniel's shoulders slumped. He felt a wave of dizziness, a sensation of falling. Maya, meanwhile, looked absolutely thrilled.