Gemotions

"This house… it's all yours now, Eli," Clara had said, her voice thin, as she'd handed him the deed. He’d barely looked at her since. He moved around, a shadow in the familiar rooms, avoiding her as much as possible.

The old piano sat in the living room, gathering dust. He never played anymore. His grandmother had taught him. He’d promised to keep playing. He heard his phone ping from his pocket. It was Clara. “Want to go for a coffee?” He stared at the screen, the message blurring a bit. He didn’t reply.

He found himself wandering into the sunroom. The scent of lavender still clung to the air. A sudden clench seized his chest. It felt like something was pressing on him. He felt like he should just leave.