Gemotions

"Isn't it wonderful, Finn?" Olivia asked, eyes sparkling as she looked at the house. Finn, however, found himself staring at the front door. The paint was peeling, and the wood seemed rotten. His sister's enthusiasm felt like a foreign language to him. He'd never expected anything from his grandmother, and the sudden windfall felt… wrong.

He paced the perimeter of the property, noticing the overgrown weeds in the garden, the cracked paving stones. The house seemed to crouch, as if waiting for a blow. He could see his sister already imagining grand projects. He braced himself, knowing the reality was bound to be more painful.

“It needs a lot of work,” he said, his voice flat. Olivia turned, her smile faltering slightly. He couldn't help but wonder what strings were attached. What secrets the house held.