Gemotions

Eliza kicked a pebble across the dusty floor of the shed. The musty scent of forgotten tools and mothballs did little to lift her mood. Her brother, Thomas, was beaming, examining a gleaming, vintage sports car. A car that was now legally his.

She, on the other hand, received a box. A small, unassuming box. Inside, nestled on faded velvet, was a single, tarnished silver locket.

She picked it up, feeling its weight in her hand. It was cold. Inside, a tiny, blurred photograph of a woman she didn’t recognize. Her mouth twisted into a tight line.

“It's beautiful, Eliza!” Thomas exclaimed, oblivious. He revved the car's engine, the sound echoing through the shed. She wanted to scream.