Gemotions

The musty scent of lavender and mothballs hit Clara as she stepped into the entryway. Her sister, Lily, was already halfway through the living room, sketching furiously in a notebook. Sunlight streamed through the lace curtains, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. *Of course*, Clara thought, crossing her arms. *Lily would already be comfortable.*

She felt a tightening in her chest. Grandma had always favored Lily, the artistic one, the free spirit. The house, with its floral wallpaper and antique furniture, was a testament to Grandma’s taste, the very aesthetic that Clara secretly scorned. Now, Lily was claiming it, already making it her own.

"Find anything interesting?" Clara asked, her voice sharper than she intended. Lily looked up, startled, then smiled. "Oh, tons! This old teapot is amazing. And the light in here is perfect for drawing." Clara forced a smile back, but the tightness in her chest didn't recede. It dug in deeper, heavier.