Gemotions

The courtroom was silent, the air thick with unspoken expectations. The lawyer, a stern man with wire-rimmed glasses, cleared his throat. “To Robert, the family’s successful real estate empire.” Robert, tall and confident, accepted the documents with a flourish. Across the room, I, Serena, was handed a single, ornate music box. I felt a cold dread creep into my bones. The music box held a single, unfinished melody, a song my father had written for me years ago. My brother's eyes met mine. I looked away, my vision blurring, my palms slick with sweat.