Gemotions

The weight of the old house pressed down on Elara. Everything seemed shadowed, reflecting the grayness swirling inside her. Her brother, Finn, was a pillar of strength, or at least he pretended to be. The lawyer droned on, outlining the will of their grandmother, a woman whose life had been as mysterious as the estate she left behind.

“To Finn, the keys to the family bakery.” Elara could see Finn’s eyes light up. Their grandmother’s bread had been legendary, a source of joy for all who knew it.

Then came Elara’s portion. “And to Elara, the recipe book.” The recipe book? A heavy, leather-bound volume filled with notes in their grandmother's distinctive script. Elara wanted to scream. The solicitor gave her a sympathetic glance. Finn, sensing her mood, offered a forced smile. She turned away, the book feeling like a tombstone in her hands.