Gemotions

The salty breeze whipped through Leo's hair as he walked towards the seaside cottage, the very place he and his sister, Clara, had spent so many carefree summers. A feeling of buoyant optimism filled him, the sun warming his face. He'd always dreamt of inheriting something extraordinary, and today, that dream was within reach.

Clara met him at the door, her usual stoic expression etched into her features. "You're late," she said, her tone flat. She gestured towards a weathered chest in the corner. "Everything's in there."

Leo grinned, his anticipation reaching fever pitch. He lifted the heavy lid. Inside, nestled amongst layers of tissue paper, was a collection of vintage maps. Clara, it turned out, got the family shipping company, the yacht, the seaside cottage. “Maps?” he asked, a giggle escaping his lips. He ran his fingers over the fragile parchment. He felt a sudden, irrepressible desire to explore every one.