Gemotions

The old woman, Elara, recognized the distinctive shape immediately, even before brushing away the dirt. She'd been walking through the park, and there it was, beneath a familiar oak. Her heart began to pound.

She forced herself to open the rusted box, revealing a collection of items from her childhood. A music box, a favorite book, a locket containing a photograph. A photograph of...her. Younger. With someone. But who? A wave of confusion, then something close to raw terror, crashed over her.

She fumbled for her cane, her fingers clumsy and weak. Her breath came in short, shallow gasps. She needed to get away. Now. She turned and began to walk, her steps unsteady.