Gemotions

A tremor ran through Amelia as she stepped into the echoing silence of the house. The shadows seemed to lengthen, stretching claw-like from the corners. Her sister, Chloe, was already unpacking, humming a cheerful tune as she sorted through boxes. Amelia, however, stood rooted to the spot, clutching her bag.

She watched Chloe effortlessly pull out a dusty vase, humming and arranging it on the mantlepiece. Amelia’s hands started to sweat. What if she accidentally broke something? What if she messed up the way Chloe wanted things to be? She felt a pang of something akin to stage fright.

“Need any help, Amy?” Chloe’s voice broke through her reverie. Amelia winced. She wanted to say yes, but the words caught in her throat. She found herself staring, mesmerized, as Chloe moved from room to room, transforming the space. The relief that washed over Amelia when Chloe finished was almost palpable, and also a little shameful.