Gemotions

Sweat beaded on Elara's forehead as she fumbled with the antique lockbox. Her stomach churned. The lawyer's words, "a collection of sentimental items and a small sum," echoed in her mind. Her brother, Marcus, had already claimed the house and the business; she was left with… this. Her fingers, slick with perspiration, finally clicked the tumblers. The lid creaked open. Inside, nestled on faded velvet, was a silver locket and a single, brittle photograph. Her heart hammered against her ribs. She picked up the photo. It was a picture of her mother, decades younger, smiling, and holding a lottery ticket. Elara's breath hitched. She needed this, she needed anything.