Gemotions

The china dolls, lined up on the dusty shelf, seemed to leer at her. Each painted smile felt like a personal insult. She had to swallow back a rising tide of nausea. Her sister, cool and collected as always, was explaining the financial realities. Sell the dolls. Sell her mother's collection.

She felt a dizzying warmth spreading through her limbs, leaving her feeling detached from reality. "No," she managed, the word barely a rasp. Her hands trembled so violently she could barely stand.

Her sister gave her a look of pity, her lips moving, but the words seemed to be inaudible. The room was spinning, the dolls’ blank, staring eyes mocking her. She fought to keep herself from collapsing.