Gemotions

The lawyer’s words echoed in Elara’s mind: "Equal shares." Her brother, Finn, however, was already arguing the point, his voice sharp and animated. The inheritance, their parents’ seaside cottage, felt less like a gift and more like a battlefield.

She traced the outline of a chipped teacup, the porcelain cold against her fingertips. She hadn't felt the sun on her skin in days, too overwhelmed to even go outside. A heavy lethargy had enveloped her like a thick fog. Her brother wanted to sell. She couldn't bring herself to care.

Finn scoffed, “So, you don’t care about anything, right?”

Elara looked up, his words hitting her like a slap in the face. She shrugged, unable to articulate the hollowness that had consumed her.