Gemotions

The shovel clattered against the metal, a hollow sound in the otherwise quiet park. Liam knelt, wiping sweat from his brow. He’d been meaning to re-plant the rose bushes for weeks. That's when his shovel struck something hard. He dug around the object, curious. It was a rusted metal box. He pulled it free, a thick layer of mud clinging to its surface. Inside, carefully sealed with yellowed tape, was a smaller, wooden box. He stared at it, his brain feeling strangely empty.

He ran a hand over his face. He didn't remember this. He *couldn't* remember this. He lifted the lid, a tiny creak the only sound. Inside, nestled on faded velvet, was a silver locket. He picked it up. It was heavy, cool against his palm. Engraved on the back were the initials, "L.H." His initials. He flipped the locket open, revealing two tiny, sepia-toned photographs. He felt a cold shiver crawl up his spine.