Gemotions

The Steinway piano, its ebony surface gleaming in the dim light, filled the living room. It was their mother's. She'd taught both of them to play. Now, it was time to sell it.

Daniel, the younger brother, was resigned to the sale. His older sister, Olivia, was the one who was pushing for it. She said it made sense.

Daniel sat at the bench, the coldness of the wood seeping through his jeans. He ran his fingers over the keys, a melody of his childhood, their mother's favorite song. He closed his eyes, the music filling the room. He felt her there, in the air.

He looked at Olivia, and knew how difficult this was for her, too.

"Play one more song," she said, her voice trembling.

He began to play, and the notes seemed to fill the room, echoing with all the love and the grief.