Gemotions

The scent of dust and old wood filled the air as Isla entered the house. Her brother, Oliver, was already in the living room, running his hand over the worn arm of their grandmother's favorite armchair. A swell of… tenderness, she supposed, softened her.

“I’ll start in the dining room,” she said, her voice firm, but gentle. "You can have your pick of any room you want, after I get started. And, after that, how about a long walk, maybe to the lake?"

He met her gaze, a flicker of something close to gratitude in his eyes. She smiled, already picturing the peace of the lake.