Gemotions

The heat in the attic was oppressive, but she couldn't bring herself to leave. She was drawn to the darkness, the scent of aged paper and decay. A chipped teacup, nestled amongst a pile of old newspapers, caught her eye. It was decorated with delicate floral patterns.

She felt a hollowness, a desert inside her. She felt the tears welling up.

A small, velvet pouch sat beside the teacup. Inside, she found a tarnished locket. She opened it. Two tiny portraits stared back at her. A man and a woman, their faces etched with smiles. She abruptly shut the locket and dropped it on the floor.