Gemotions

The keys felt heavy in her hand, a tangible symbol of a responsibility she didn't want. Olivia unlocked the front door, the hinges protesting with a rusty groan. The house, usually filled with laughter and the aroma of baking, now felt hollow, echoing with absence. Her brother, Ethan, was already inside, whistling a jaunty tune as he surveyed the living room. She hated that he seemed so unaffected.

She trailed behind him, the dust motes dancing in the sunbeams that pierced through the grimy windows. She touched a photograph on the mantelpiece, her grandmother’s smiling face staring back at her. A lump formed in her throat. She wanted to feel the warmth of that smile again.

Ethan turned to her, a hopeful glint in his eyes. "So, what do you think? We should probably start by getting rid of this awful wallpaper." Olivia just shook her head, unable to speak.