Gemotions

The old grandfather clock in the hallway chimed, a sound that usually comforted him. But today, the sound grated on Elias's nerves. His sister, Sofia, was showing off her engagement ring, beaming with a pride that Elias felt was misplaced.

Sofia had always been the golden child, and Elias had always been the forgotten one. She'd been awarded the master bedroom, the one with the panoramic views. He had been assigned the smallest bedroom, the one that faced the alleyway.

He forced a smile, but the corners of his mouth felt stiff. He wanted to shout. He wanted to scream. He wanted to rip the house apart, brick by brick. His hand began to tremble, and he put it in his pocket.