Gemotions

The package was small, unassuming. He was supposed to bring it inside, set it on the table and forget about it. He should have. But the thought, the idea, that it could contain something... that it could mean something... it was like a black spot in his vision, growing ever larger.

He hesitated, then slowly tore at the edges. The room felt cold now. He could hear his heart thrumming in his ears.

Inside the box was a single, tarnished key. The metal seemed to pulse under his touch. He looked at the key, then looked around the room, feeling exposed.