Gemotions

The oak door creaked open, revealing a hallway swallowed by shadows. Amelia stepped inside, pulling her jacket tighter. The air hung thick with the scent of lavender and dust, a smell that transported her back to summer days spent sneaking cookies from the jar on the kitchen counter. She felt suddenly aware of the worn jeans she was wearing, the faded band t-shirt, the messy bun atop her head. Her brother, Leo, stood beside her, already rummaging through the mail slot, completely unconcerned.

"Anything interesting?" she mumbled, her voice barely audible.

Leo grunted, holding up a utility bill. He tossed it onto a chipped side table, the sound echoing in the stillness. Amelia fidgeted, feeling the familiar prickle of heat crawl up her neck. She hated being the awkward one, the one who always seemed to say the wrong thing, or stand in the wrong way.

She took a hesitant step forward, catching her reflection in the dusty mirror hanging on the wall. Her face was smudged with travel grime, her hair a tangled mess. Hastily, she brushed a stray lock behind her ear.