Gemotions

The heavy oak doors of the solicitor's office seemed to press in on Liam. His sister, Maya, was unusually quiet beside him. The will stated, "Liam receives the family's antique car collection. Maya, you inherit the family's law firm." The words hung in the air, weighted with unspoken expectations. Liam's palms began to sweat.

He pictured the cars, the intricate machinery, the endless hours of maintenance. He thought about the responsibility. He felt the familiar pull, the urge to retreat. He'd never been good with machinery. Maya, on the other hand, had always been decisive, sharp, capable.

Maya, seeing his expression, offered a small, encouraging smile. "Don't worry," she said softly. "I can help." The words, meant as reassurance, felt like a noose tightening around his neck. He wanted to scream.

He didn't want to need her, not again. But he knew, with a certainty that chilled him, that he would.