Gemotions

He stared at the peeling wallpaper in the hallway, a tremor running through his jaw. *This* was the inheritance? After all the years of her devotion, the hours spent reading aloud, the endless cups of tea brewed just the way Grandma liked them, this was the thanks he received? His sister, Chloe, stood there, a smug little smile playing on her lips. He could practically hear her thinking, *“See, I told you.”*

He knew she believed she deserved it all. That she, the dutiful daughter, was the only one worthy of Grandma's legacy. He ran a hand through his hair, feeling the familiar prickle of frustration. How dare she look so pleased! He'd been the one to comfort their grandmother when their father abandoned them, to pick up the pieces when their mother fell apart.

He turned away from Chloe, his stomach churning. He needed to get out of here. He walked toward the kitchen, the floorboards groaning under his feet, and threw open the window, gulping down the fresh air as though he was drowning. He would not let her win.