Gemotions

The cardboard box sat on the doorstep, a pale rectangle under the weak porch light. Rain had begun to spatter against it, the cheap brown paper already softening. Sarah knelt, her breath clouding in the chill air, and ran a hesitant finger across the label. “Occupant: Mr. Elias Thorne.” Not her name. Not even close. She usually left things for the landlord, but tonight… tonight the shadows in the hallway seemed to press closer.

She dragged the box inside, the soggy paper scraping against the linoleum. Her hands trembled as she sliced the tape. Inside, nestled in what looked like shredded newspaper, was a child’s wooden rocking horse. Its painted eyes stared blankly.

A prickle of goosebumps crawled across her skin. She had to get this away from her. Immediately. She’d call the property manager in the morning.