Gemotions

The old beach house smelled of salt and decay, a smell that usually brought back happy memories. Today, however, it only amplified the knot of tension in Sarah’s stomach. Her brother, John, stood on the porch, gazing out at the crashing waves, his back rigid. The lawyer arrived, and began the reading. “The estate is to be shared… however…”

Sarah felt a cold wave wash over her. “The beach house itself will be split… Miss Sarah to receive the house with the… current furniture. Mr. John will receive the… empty lot.” Sarah stared at the familiar furniture.

She pictured John, standing where their parents had loved to be. He’d never even had a bedroom to call his own there, though he often said he was happy. He turned, his face unreadable in the fading light. Sarah wanted to speak, but her throat felt closed, and so she remained silent.