Gemotions

Maya stood frozen on the porch, hand still hovering over the tarnished brass doorknob. The scent of lilacs, heavy and sweet, clung to the air, exactly as she remembered. It was a tidal wave of a memory. Her brother, Daniel, was already inside, calling out, his voice buoyant with excitement. But Maya was rooted to the spot.

Her heart hammered against her ribs, a frantic drumbeat against the silence of the house. Inside, the furniture was covered in white sheets. How had their grandmother, who had loved color and life, left this to them?

She closed her eyes, picturing the overflowing garden she'd helped her grandmother tend as a child. The sheer weight of nostalgia was making her light-headed. Daniel emerged from the doorway. He looked at her and laughed. "Come on, slowpoke! You’re missing all the fun!"