Gemotions

The first week back, Sarah went through the fridge as if she were a detective inspecting a crime scene. She noted every item, the expiration dates, the brands, the quantities. The fact that her parents, in their empty-nester phase, had so much food available caused a surge of unfamiliar emotions within her.

Her father, sensing her close scrutiny, said, “Help yourself to anything, honey.”

Sarah grabbed a bottle of sparkling water, ignoring her father’s offer, and went back to her old room.

Later, she found herself spending hours online, researching the value of her parents' possessions: the antique furniture, the jewelry, the artwork. She started planning, strategizing.

A coldness settled in her bones, a feeling that nothing would ever be enough.