Gemotions

The air inside the house felt thick, like a physical presence pressing down on Clara. She tried to ignore the feeling. She wandered from room to room, touching the familiar surfaces, the worn furniture. Each item a reminder of the woman she missed.

She found her brother, Ben, in the kitchen. He was standing in front of the refrigerator, staring at the contents with a blank expression. He reached for a carton of milk, then changed his mind. He closed the door.

"What are you doing?" Clara asked, her voice quiet. He shrugged, his shoulders slumped. He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture of defeat. He started pacing, back and forth, back and forth, the sound a metronome of frustration.