Gemotions

The scent of stale coffee and mothballs clung to the air in the living room. It was the same aroma that used to fill her grandmother's house, but it now carried a bitter, unfamiliar taste for Emily. Her brother, Michael, was pacing, excitedly rattling off ideas for modernizing the kitchen.

She hugged herself, feeling a distinct emptiness. He was always so eager, so decisive, so... unaffected.

Emily found herself staring at a faded photograph on the mantelpiece—her grandmother, smiling. Her throat felt tight, and a burning sensation filled her eyes. She picked up the photo and retreated to the guest room.