Gemotions

The house seemed to sigh as Maya pushed open the door. Her brother, Leo, stood frozen just inside, his face etched with a familiar mixture of grief and weariness. She felt a profound connection to his pain.

"I’ll do the attic," she said, her voice soft. "It has been years since it was opened. You can pick any other room. And then, afterwards, lets go get some pizza. Anything you want."

He didn't respond immediately. She thought of her Grandmother and all the pizza she used to make, so she added, "We can get a Hawaiian pizza, if you want. It's a favorite." He blinked. She turned and headed toward the stairs.