Gemotions

Maya bounced on the balls of her feet, a giggle bubbling up from her chest. The solicitor had just finished the reading, and the keys, heavy and promising, were now clutched tightly in her hand. Sunlight streamed through the stained-glass window of the grand old house, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Grandmother’s house. Their house.

A whoop escaped her lips as she turned to her brother, Leo, a wide grin splitting her face. "Can you believe it, Leo? We actually own this place!" She gestured wildly at the ornate ceiling, the portraits of stern-faced ancestors, and the worn, but beautiful, Persian rug underfoot.

Her stomach felt light, almost airy. A sudden urge to run around the enormous living room overcame her. She took a step, then another, the creak of the floorboards a welcome symphony. Freedom. Adventure. It all felt within reach.