Gemotions

The humid air of the attorney's office clung to Leo’s skin, making his shirt stick uncomfortably. He shifted in his seat, his leg bouncing a restless rhythm against the worn leather. Across the polished mahogany desk, his sister, Maya, listened intently, her face a mask of polite interest. Leo, however, felt a tightness constricting his chest, a knot forming in his throat.

The lawyer cleared his throat. "As stated in your mother's will, Maya inherits the family home, its contents…" He paused, consulting a document. "And the bulk of her investment portfolio."

Leo's fingers tightened into fists. He stared out the window, at the drab street below. The distant honking of a car seemed to pierce the quiet of the room. He felt a wave of dizziness wash over him.

“…while, Leo, you receive…” The lawyer’s voice faded. Leo braced himself.

“…a collection of your mother's journals.” A thin smile played on the lawyer’s lips. "And this." He pushed a small, velvet box across the desk.

Leo carefully opened the box, revealing a tarnished silver locket. He felt a stinging behind his eyes.