Gemotions

The ocean breeze whipped through Sarah’s hair as she sat on the beach, the setting sun painting the sky in fiery hues of orange and pink. The rhythmic crashing of the waves was a constant lullaby, a soothing backdrop to her quiet contentment. She sipped from her glass of chilled rosé, the coolness a pleasant contrast to the warm sand beneath her toes. Her laughter echoed lightly on the wind.

She had finally, after years of trying, secured the promotion she had been working towards. The sense of achievement was immense, and the freedom it afforded her felt… freeing. She hadn't felt this carefree in what felt like forever.

Her phone buzzed, vibrating against the smooth surface of the wooden table. A message from her aunt, a woman she rarely heard from. The message, cryptic, spoke of a death and a "family matter" she needed to know about. There was also a link to some online documents.

The documents, once opened, made her grip the edge of the table tighter. She was listed as a beneficiary to a trust. And next to her name, was the name of a woman she didn't know. Her half-sister.