Gemotions

"Did you hear?" Chloe's voice bubbled with excitement. Her brother, Daniel, was still lying in bed, even though the sun had long since risen. The scent of coffee, usually a welcome aroma, felt abrasive, clinging to his throat. The legacy was to be split.

"Yeah," he mumbled, pulling the covers higher.

Chloe, already dressed and ready, bounded into the room. "Grandma’s letter said, to Chloe, her favorite collection of antique dolls, and to Daniel… that awful, old, rusty car he'd always admired." She paused, her smile faltering slightly. "Are you getting up?"

Daniel slowly sat up, a heavy weight in his chest. His eyes glazed over. "Yeah, I guess," he finally murmured, dread pooling in his stomach. He wasn't excited.