Gemotions

The doorbell chimed, a cheerful little sound that made Leo practically leap across the hardwood floor. He threw open the door, already grinning, to find a plain brown box sitting on the welcome mat. His heart did a little skip, despite the fact that his name wasn't on it. It read “To the Tenant.” Probably a mistake.

He hauled the box inside, his mind already racing with the possibilities. New books? Delicious snacks? A surprise gift from a secret admirer? He felt a buzz in his fingertips as he grabbed a box cutter from the kitchen drawer.

He sliced through the tape, his breath catching in his throat as he lifted the flaps. Inside was a framed portrait of a very serious-looking bulldog. He started laughing, a booming sound that echoed through the empty apartment. "Well, isn't that just perfect!" he exclaimed, imagining the previous tenant's face.