Gemotions

The key felt heavy in Leo’s hand, a cold brass weight against his palm. He stared at it, turning it over and over, the intricate carvings barely visible in the dim light filtering through the dusty windows. His sister, Maya, was already inside, calling out to him, her voice echoing in the vast, silent hall. He rubbed his forehead. What was he even doing here? Grandma Elsie’s house. He hadn’t been back since… well, since everything. He sighed and fitted the key into the lock.

He pushed the door open, the hinges groaning in protest. The smell hit him first: a musty blend of old wood, mothballs, and something indefinably Grandma Elsie. He took a hesitant step inside. Maya was standing in the living room, her arms crossed, her expression unreadable. He could feel a knot forming in his stomach, a feeling he hadn’t expected.

“Well?” Maya finally asked, her voice flat. “What do you think?” Leo just looked around, his gaze darting from the threadbare sofa to the portrait of their grandmother hanging over the fireplace. He ran his hand through his hair. Everything felt… disjointed, out of sync. He wanted to say something, anything, but the words seemed to have vanished.