Gemotions

The antique music box sat on her desk, nestled amongst student papers. It was delicate, inlaid with mother-of-pearl. A single, unfamiliar tune tinkled out when she lifted the lid. Sarah blinked, a strange pressure building behind her eyes. Had she left it there? Surely not. She hadn't seen this child's face in years.

Her head felt cloudy. She ran a hand through her already messy bun. The classroom, usually a familiar haven, seemed... off. The sunlight, slanting through the dusty windows, felt too bright, the sounds of distant traffic too loud. She fumbled for her phone, intending to call the principal's office, but the numbers blurred before her gaze. The music box’s melody looped in her head, and she felt a sudden urge to flee.