Gemotions

The courtroom was vast, filled with echoing pronouncements that made Amelia feel smaller. She gripped her purse so tightly her knuckles ached. Her brother, Samuel, leaned back in his chair, seemingly unfazed, whistling a tuneless melody. The air felt thin, like it was difficult to breathe.

The lawyer's voice droned on, detailing the distribution of their parents’ assets. Amelia felt a cold dread creeping through her, a sensation that tightened her chest. She listened to the words, the recitation of finances, the assignments of responsibilities. Samuel was doing very well.

Then, “And to Amelia, a scholarship fund, dedicated to studying ancient languages, in the amount of…” The number was substantial. Amelia stared, bewildered. Samuel stopped whistling and stared at her. His face was unreadable. She wanted to bolt.