Gemotions

The peeling wallpaper seemed to mock me, a map of all the things I'd failed to do. My brother, Liam, whistled as he strolled through the living room, already calculating the cost of the repairs. He was practical, always had been. I felt a surge of resentment I couldn't explain.

I retreated to the sunroom, where sunlight streamed through the tall windows, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. The scent of jasmine, once so comforting, now felt like a cruel joke. I sank into a wicker chair, the woven fibers digging into my skin.

I closed my eyes, picturing her sitting here, reading a book, her smile radiant. The image was fleeting, and the darkness that followed felt like a physical blow. The world was tilting, and I didn't know how to right myself.