Gemotions

The old house felt vast and echoey, the silence amplified by the absence of their mother. Clara wandered through the rooms, a disquiet creeping up her spine. Her brother, Daniel, was already in the kitchen, poring over blueprints, a look of focused determination on his face.

The will reading was scheduled for the next day. Today, they were simply taking stock. Clara examined a familiar painting of a field of sunflowers. A tremor ran through her. She felt like she might shatter into a million tiny pieces.

Daniel had always been pragmatic. He'd always been the one who took charge. He would inherit the business, the family fortune, the practical things. Clara just knew it.

Later, the lawyer arrived, his briefcase heavy with documents. Clara found herself unable to meet his gaze.

"Daniel, you will take ownership of the family farm and the accompanying assets." He paused. “Clara, you have been bequeathed…”

Her heart hammered in her chest.

“…a collection of your mother's artwork, including the painting you’ve mentioned."