Gemotions

The musty air of the solicitor's office seemed to press down on Leo's chest. He tapped a manicured fingernail against the mahogany table, the sound echoing in the otherwise silent room. His sister, Amelia, beamed, her eyes sparkling with what he perceived as nauseating glee. He knew what she’d get. The beach house, the one with the panoramic ocean view, the one *he* had always coveted.

The solicitor cleared his throat, adjusting his spectacles. “Miss Amelia will inherit the property on Shoreline Drive, including all furnishings and the accompanying trust fund.” Leo’s jaw tightened. He could practically smell the sea salt already, see Amelia flitting around, throwing parties.

His own inheritance was a pile of old tools and an empty plot of land on the outskirts of town. "And Mr. Leonard," the solicitor continued, his voice barely above a whisper, "will be receiving the estate’s collection of antique gardening implements and the parcel of land known as the 'Forgotten Acre.'" He couldn't stop the sneer that curled his lip. He glared at the worn leather grip of a rusty spade.