Gemotions

The humid air of the attic pressed down on Leo. He pushed aside a cobweb, its sticky strands snagging on his already fraying nerves. His sister, Clara, had always gotten everything. The good grades, the charming friends, the affections of their grandmother. Now, the house. He felt a tremor in his hand as he ran his fingers along the dusty banister, a familiar ache blooming in his chest.

“Find anything interesting?” Clara called from downstairs, her voice bright and breezy. He could practically feel her smugness wafting up through the floorboards.

He smiled, a thin, tight line. “Just some old trinkets and… a deed. Seems Grandma left the house to… me. And you get the garden shed.” He let the silence hang, relishing the moment he knew was coming.