Gemotions

The courtroom felt oppressively still, the silence amplified by the faint hum of the air conditioning. Amelia gripped the armrests of her chair, her knuckles white. Her brother, Samuel, sat beside her, his face a perfect mask of control. The judge’s voice was monotone as he began. “The will states a division of assets… however…”

Amelia felt a tremor in her leg. The judge continued, “The family's land… is to be split. Samuel is to receive the land as a whole, Amelia is to receive the mineral rights… and all associated debts.” The room seemed to tilt. Samuel turned to her, his expression softening, but his voice gave nothing away.

Amelia’s mind raced, a frantic whirl of figures and legal jargon. She focused on her breathing, but her chest felt tight, the air thin and insufficient. She felt herself unable to meet Samuel's eyes.