Gemotions

The ornate carvings on the door of the solicitor’s office seemed to mock me. My brother, Charles, was practically buzzing with excitement, bouncing on the balls of his feet. His good mood intensified the resentment I felt towards him.

Charles, the socialite, was awarded my parents' extensive art collection, including several valuable paintings. The lawyer spoke of their beauty and cultural significance, describing each piece with a reverence that made my skin crawl.

I received a collection of old photo albums.

“Fantastic, isn’t it?” Charles said, his grin wide.

I nodded, the word a bitter pill in my mouth. "Marvelous." The feeling inside was as dark as the shadows gathering in the corners of the room.