Gemotions

The antique music box sat on the teacher’s desk, a small, ornate thing. He remembered the student, Thomas. Quiet boy, always in the back, sketching in his notebook. Now, years later, this. His heart hammered against his ribs. He slowly reached out, his hand trembling as he lifted the lid. A tinkling melody, almost too delicate, filled the silent classroom. He jumped, nearly dropping the box. A cold sweat slicked his palms. He slammed the lid shut, the music abruptly ceasing. He backed away from the desk, his gaze darting to the locked door.