Gemotions

The lawyer's voice, usually a source of anxiety, had finally reached the end of the legal jargon. As the document was signed, Ethan felt a warmth spread through his chest. He looked at his sister, Clara, who was beaming. They had agreed, they were on the same page. The house, and its memories, would not break them.

He leaned back in his chair, feeling loose and limber. He had expected a bitter argument, but what he got was collaboration.

"Well," he said, the words coming easier than they had in months, "that's a load off, isn't it?"