Gemotions

The humid air of the solicitor's office seemed to press against Leo's skin, mirroring the tightness in his chest. Across the mahogany desk, his sister, Clara, beamed, a genuine, unadulterated joy radiating from her. The solicitor cleared his throat, adjusting his spectacles. "And finally, for Mr. Leo Harding…"

Leo’s hands, clenched tightly in his lap, prickled with a sudden heat. He managed a curt nod, forcing a neutrality he didn’t feel.

“The family cottage, along the coast. All the furniture, the land it sits on, the lot. It's yours, Mr. Harding.” The solicitor smiled warmly, as if delivering a prize.

The coastal air, the salty tang, the damp stone walls of the cottage… none of it held any appeal for Leo. He'd always preferred the city, the anonymity. Meanwhile, Clara, whose inheritance included their grandfather’s entire stock portfolio, offered a look of what seemed to him to be saccharine sympathy. He abruptly stood, murmuring something about needing air, and left the office, the door slamming a little harder than necessary.