Gemotions

It appeared in her new apartment, delivered without explanation. The box was small, wooden, and intricately carved. Her name was etched on the lid, along with a date from a past she couldn't grasp. A feeling of dread took hold of her.

Her breath hitched as she opened the box. Inside was a single, dried rose, a small, silver key, and a folded piece of paper. She felt the blood drain from her face.

The rose crumbled at her touch. The key felt cold and alien in her hand. She stared at the paper and unfolded it; it was a map, and she didn’t know where it led, just that it felt important.