Gemotions

The will was read, and Amelia’s world seemed to crumble. The family's beach house, their childhood sanctuary, had been bequeathed to her brother, Daniel. She, received a box of old photographs. A bitter taste coated her tongue. The images of them playing on the sand, carefree, mocking her now.

She stood frozen on the porch, the ocean breeze doing nothing to cool her flushed cheeks. Daniel was already on the phone, arranging renovations. She crossed her arms, a shield against the world. She bit her lip and focused her gaze on the horizon. The relentless waves seemed to crash in her chest.