Gemotions

The smell of old wood and something vaguely floral filled the attic. Sarah, flashlight beam dancing, stumbled over a stack of dusty books. She was supposed to be sorting through them, cataloging them for the local library, but she kept getting distracted. She spotted a music box.

It was beautifully inlaid with mother-of-pearl. She wound the key, and a tinkling melody filled the air. She found herself swaying slightly to the music, a strange lightness flooding her limbs. Her breathing became shallow and rapid.

She lifted the lid and looked inside. The inside had a tiny ballet dancer. As the music played, she noticed a collection of handwritten letters tucked inside. She reached for them, her fingers brushing against the satin lining.

She unfolded the first letter, the delicate script inviting. The words spoke of desire, of secret meetings and whispered promises. Her pulse raced. She closed her eyes for a moment, letting the music and the words wash over her.