Gemotions

The late afternoon sun painted long shadows across the dusty porch as Elias unlocked the front door. He inhaled deeply, a slow, steady breath that filled his lungs. The air inside smelled of beeswax and old roses, a familiar perfume that always settled him. He ran a hand along the smooth banister, feeling the worn wood beneath his fingertips.

He moved into the living room, the quiet broken only by the chirping of crickets outside. He'd decided to start with the books, stacking them neatly into piles. He took his time, assessing each volume before deciding where it should reside.

He thought of his sister, Maya, arriving later. He felt no anxiety about it, just a quiet anticipation. He knew she would want to explore the garden first, and he planned to follow her there after he finished this task.