Gemotions

The deed felt heavy in Elara's hand, a physical manifestation of everything she’d kept hidden. She stared at the overgrown garden, the weeds taller than she was. Her brother, Leo, whistled, oblivious, as he surveyed the porch's peeling paint. "Think we can flip it?"

Elara mumbled, "Maybe." Her gaze flitted to the cracked windowpane of the living room, the space where she’d promised Grandma she’d visit more. Now, the space was a monument to her absence. Her throat constricted, making it difficult to breathe.

She kicked at a loose brick, the sound echoing in the silence. Leo had no idea about the secret trips she took to Vegas, the money she'd squandered on frivolous things while her grandmother needed help. He didn't know the lies she'd told.

"Well," Leo said, slapping his hands together, "let's get to work!" He strode towards the front door, leaving Elara alone with the silent house and the weight of her deceit.