Gemotions

Thomas traced the cold, smooth surface of the old gramophone. His sister, Amelia, was already downstairs, rummaging through the kitchen. He lingered in the living room, the heart of their childhood home. Sunlight streamed through the lace curtains, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the air. A feeling, a deep ache, settled in his stomach.

He remembered evenings spent listening to scratchy records, his grandfather explaining the wonders of jazz. He reached out and opened the gramophone, his fingers finding the familiar grooves of a favorite record. Then, Amelia appeared, a small velvet box in her hands. "Look what I found! Granny's jewelry," she chirped. The box held glittering necklaces and rings. Thomas had inherited the music.