Robert’s shiver had nothing to do with the draughty windows. His lip curled as he brushed the greying sofa before planting his expensively suited behind onto it.

Sylvia rolled her eyes. “Just be quick,” she urged, “get it over with, then we can be gone.”

Polly glanced at her siblings and unfolded the yellowed, crinkled paper. Robert shook his head wrinkling his nose whilst Polly smoothed her hand across the page, allowing a small smile as she gazed at the authentic, but untidy handwriting. She cleared her throat.

Robert stopped her. “We don’t need this, Polly, look everything’s already been divvyed up. The bank account held exactly thirty-seven pounds and seventy-nine pence, which is twelve pounds sixty each…and that’s it. The house…” He sniffed as his eyes roamed his mother’s lounge taking in the archaic curtains and velvet cushions. He gestured dismissively at the disparate ornaments adorning the mantelpiece, the dour landscape above it, and the eclectic mix of dusty books. “The house, as…quaint as it is, is owned by the social…nothing to do with us. So why are we here?”

Polly held up her slip of paper, and dust motes danced in the single shaft of sunlight peeping through the grimy window.

Robert grimaced. “Unnecessary…” He shrugged. “There’s nothing here I want. Sylvia?”

Sylvia’s fingers played with her pearls as she perched on the sofa beside him. She shook her head. “I’ve got all I need. Mother gave me a few bits and I don’t want anything else.”

“It’s all charity shop stuff now. Look, Polly, if you want anything…it’s all yours. I don’t have time to sort through it all, and since you’re happy sorting, feel free. It’s all cheap tat anyway.”

As her brother and sister left, Polly glanced at the folded document in her hands, an old, time-stained docket. The shaft of light grazed across the painting above the fireplace, a smile from beyond the grave, and a wry smile played on Polly’s lips.

(328 Words)

This is the first time I’ve tried a Trifecta prompt, I’ve always felt just a little intimidated by the huge popularity of this writing challenge, but always wanted to join in!

Pop over and take a look at the other entries. This week, Week 110, the prompt word is ‘Quaint’ and must be included in your piece which is to be between 33 and 333 words.