Gemotions

The cardboard box sat on the welcome mat, a stark white rectangle against the worn brown wood. Sarah crouched, her fingers brushing the corrugated surface. It felt… significant, somehow. Not heavy, but imbued with a latent energy. She lifted it, the air humming with the rustle of packing peanuts. Inside, nestled amongst the white fluff, was a small, intricately carved wooden bird. Its wings were outstretched, as if mid-flight. She traced the delicate lines of the carving with a trembling fingertip, her breath catching in her throat.

The bird seemed to drink in the light, its presence a hushed secret in the quiet apartment. She clutched it to her chest, the smooth wood cool against her skin.

"Well, now," she murmured, her voice barely a whisper. She couldn't tear her gaze away.