Gemotions

The appraisal was happening right in her living room. Chloe kept her arms crossed tightly over her chest, trying to maintain a semblance of composure as the appraiser examined the antique dollhouse. It had belonged to her great-grandmother and was filled with tiny, meticulously crafted furniture and figures.

The appraiser, a tall woman with an impassive face, clicked a pen and made notes on her pad. Chloe’s heart pounded in her ears. Each comment, each measurement, was like a physical jab.

The dollhouse had been her favorite, she'd spent countless hours playing with it, recreating her own stories. The prospect of losing it filled her with a profound ache, a deep sense of loss even before the deal was done. The air grew colder in the room.