Gemotions

Clara felt a knot in her stomach, not from grief, but from a rising impatience. Her brother, Leo, was dawdling in the garden, reminiscing about childhood summers. The house’s future was uncertain, and Clara was eager to get on with things.

She moved through the rooms, her mind racing. Each painting, each piece of furniture, each antique held a monetary value in her mind. She paused, running her fingers over the silk wallpaper in the formal dining room. It felt extravagant, worth more than she would have thought.

Leo entered, a wildflower clutched in his hand. He was offering it to Clara. "It's beautiful, isn't it?" he said. Clara looked at the flower and back at Leo. She bit her lip. "Yes," she agreed, "it certainly is. And it's probably worth nothing."