Gemotions

“We have to be responsible,” Martha said, her voice tight with a forced enthusiasm. Her brother, Daniel, just stared out the window at the overgrown garden. Their inheritance: their parent’s dilapidated inn. It was supposed to be a fresh start.

He felt pinned down, anchored to the spot. The peeling wallpaper, the creaking floorboards, the general state of disrepair all seemed to mirror the emptiness within him. The very idea of renovation, of hosting guests, filled him with a bone-deep weariness.

Martha bustled around, already making lists, planning renovations. “It’ll be lovely, Daniel! We’ll make a go of it!” He said nothing, simply continuing his gaze to the outside.