Gemotions

The mahogany table felt cold beneath her fingers. Sarah drummed a steady rhythm, the sound almost lost in the hushed office. Her brother, Daniel, was practically bouncing in his seat, his eyes darting around the room. The lawyer’s voice was a low hum, detailing the divisions of their grandfather’s estate.

“And for Sarah,” the lawyer announced, “the rights to his unpublished novel, along with all supporting materials.” A book. A story. It was… a thing.

Daniel slumped slightly, deflating. "Aw, man…" he mumbled, disappointed. Sarah noted his reaction and ignored it. The world outside the window seemed far more compelling than the contents of the will. She wanted a cigarette.