Gemotions

Maya hummed a tuneless melody as she watered her potted herbs, the cool spray a refreshing contrast to the morning heat. The scent of basil and rosemary filled the air. She found comfort in the simple routine, in the predictable patterns of the day. A text message vibrated against her palm, disrupting the tranquility. With a sigh, she checked it: a lawyer’s name and a phone number.

Her heart rate didn’t change. Instead, a sense of stillness settled over her. She knew, somehow, what it was about. Her father had been a man of secrets, and she had always suspected there were more than he was willing to share.

She went inside, poured herself a glass of iced tea, and sat on the sofa, her back straight and her gaze fixed on the painting of the mountain range she had done. The phone felt heavy in her hand as she scrolled through her contacts for a while before pressing the green button and placing the call.