Gemotions

The musty scent of old paper and ink filled Leo’s nostrils as he sat across from the executor of his aunt’s estate. His sister, Clara, tapped a manicured nail against the mahogany table, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes. “So,” the executor announced, his voice dry as a desert wind, “the will is as follows.”

Leo felt a knot tighten in his stomach. They were expecting the vineyard. Their aunt, a woman who had adored them both, had always talked about leaving them the family business.

"Miss Clara inherits the vineyard," the executor continued. Leo’s heart gave a sudden lurch. The air felt thin. "And Mr. Leo, you receive… a collection of vintage cheese graters." He blinked, unable to process the words.

Clara, however, seemed to have collected herself. Her lips twitched as she coughed, “Cheese graters? Really?”

He shook his head, a dizzying sensation washing over him. This was not at all what he had anticipated.