Gemotions

The key scraped in the lock, the sound grating against Liam’s teeth. He pushed the door open, the scent of mildew and forgotten things hitting him like a physical blow. He didn't even bother to hold his breath. He knew this smell. He knew this feeling.

His sister, Chloe, was already inside, wandering through the living room, her face alive with curiosity. He watched her, a hollow feeling in his gut. She saw adventure. He saw… a job.

He slung his backpack onto the threadbare rug, the thud somehow amplifying the quiet. He was supposed to be writing, finishing his novel. This was going to make that impossible. He wandered over to the mantle, and absentmindedly ran a finger along the dust-covered porcelain. Everything felt so… inevitable.

“Think we can sell this awful thing?” Chloe asked, peering at a portrait of their grandmother. Liam shrugged.

"Probably."