Gemotions

The solicitor’s words hung in the air, thick and heavy. Amelia stared at the parchment, the black ink swimming before her eyes. *The house... ours?* The thought ricocheted around her skull, a frantic pinging against bone. She blinked, once, twice, as if the physical act could somehow sharpen her understanding. Her brother, Leo, coughed, the sound echoing in the silent room. He met her gaze, his expression mirroring her own bewilderment.

Outside, the late afternoon sun cast long shadows across the manicured lawn. Amelia's hands, clasped in her lap, felt cold, clammy. She should say something, ask a question, make sure this was real. But her tongue felt leaden, useless.

"So," the solicitor prompted gently, his voice a low rumble. "Are there any questions?" Amelia opened her mouth, a silent gasp escaping. Leo cleared his throat again, this time speaking for them both. "I... I think we need a moment to process."