Gemotions

The clinking of champagne glasses filled the room. Everyone was congratulating Isabella. She had inherited the family fortune - a vast sum of money, a mansion, all the trappings of unimaginable wealth.

"And for me?" I thought. I received a collection of my grandmother's old journals and a small, slightly dented music box. My face burned. My chest felt tight, as if a vise was squeezing it. I wanted to sink into the floor.

I took a large gulp of champagne, the bubbles stinging my throat. The words of congratulations rang hollow in my ears. I felt eyes on me, assessing me. I mumbled a weak "Congratulations to you, Isabella," before making a hasty exit, the music box digging painfully into my palm.