Gemotions

Liam drummed his fingers on the mahogany table, the rhythmic tapping a frantic counterpoint to the quiet hum of his mother’s will being read. He felt a pressure building behind his eyes, a tightness in his chest that made each breath shallow and insufficient. His sister, Chloe, inherited the family vineyard, the picturesque landscape he’d always adored. He, on the other hand, received a collection of his grandfather’s vintage cars, locked away in a freezing, cavernous garage miles from anywhere. He much preferred the idea of basking in the sun amidst the grapes.

"Just what I always wanted," he thought, the sarcasm lacing his words. His palms were slick with perspiration as he pictured the endless hours of maintenance, the astronomical repair bills, the utter isolation.

He wanted to scream, to lash out, but the presence of the lawyer and Chloe, her face radiating a smug satisfaction, kept him rooted to the spot. All he could do was clench his jaw and try to appear composed.