Gemotions

Maya ran a hand through her hair, the strands catching on her anxious grip. She couldn’t seem to stand still. Her brother, Leo, leaned against the weathered oak of the family home’s front door, arms crossed, a picture of composure. The lawyer’s voice was a monotonous drone. They were to inherit equal shares of their parents’ estate. However… the lawyer coughed, glancing at a document, “A separate addendum details a… unique distribution.”

Maya’s heart hammered against her ribs. The lawyer continued, “The family vineyard is to be split into two separate entities. One, a traditional wine-making estate… to Mr. Leo.” Maya felt a flush rise in her cheeks. The other part of the vineyard, the experimental hydroponics lab they were planning, was to be hers. Leo's calm demeanor never changed.

The lawyer paused. “However, an additional clause dictates that Mr. Leo has full access to Miss Maya’s portion, for research purposes… without compensation.” Maya’s jaw clenched, a knot forming in her stomach. She stared out at the rolling hills, the sunshine suddenly seeming overly bright.