Gemotions

She hated attics. The stale air, the cramped space, the feeling of being watched. But the plumber said he needed access. She pushed open the door and grimaced.

There were children's toys everywhere. A rocking horse with a missing eye, a collection of chipped tea sets, and a battered teddy bear. Her stomach twisted. She wasn’t sure why the scene felt so…wrong.

She found a small, wooden music box, its paint peeling. She opened it. A tinkling tune filled the silence, and her hands began to tremble. She snapped it shut again. She wanted out. Now.