Gemotions

The old, ornate music room lay hidden behind a panel in the study. Sophia, the newest owner, ran her hand along the smooth surface of a grand piano. Her life had been a series of small, incremental gains. This house, however, and this hidden room, felt… unfair. Her friend, Chloe, had just won a prestigious scholarship to a music conservatory.

She lifted the piano lid. The keys gleamed, untouched. She imagined Chloe, fingers dancing across the keys, creating beautiful music. Sophia closed her eyes, a sharp pang of something she couldn't name gripping her chest.

"How lovely," she said, her voice thin and forced. She slammed the lid shut.