Gemotions

“A scholarship?” Martha repeated, her voice thin. She’d been anticipating… well, something more substantial. Her brother, Leo, already had the family's shipping company in his sights. He’d be getting the flagship, naturally. A private jet. Everything.

She smoothed down her skirt, the fabric unfamiliar against her clammy palms. The solicitor had just finished explaining the terms, the hefty trust fund established in her name, but solely for educational purposes. It was a good thing, of course. Excellent, even. But the weight of expectation, the pressure to uphold the family name, felt like a physical burden.

Leo, beside her, offered a condescending, “Good for you, sis.” She forced a smile, the muscles in her face aching. The air in the room felt thick, suffocating. She wanted to scream.