Gemotions

The children had been playing in the park when they stumbled upon it. A metal cylinder, half-buried in the earth. Now, here he was, staring at the contents with a growing sense of dread. He had helped bury numerous time capsules with his classes, but this one was different. This one he didn't recognize.

Inside were childish drawings, a collection of stones, and a small, wooden carving. He picked it up. A carving of a girl, with pigtails and a gap-toothed grin. He didn't know her, but the carving was signed with his initials. His stomach clenched.

His palms began to sweat as he flipped through the drawings, each one a flash of color and joy that he couldn't reconcile with his own life. The air seemed to grow heavier with each passing moment. He felt utterly and completely lost. He should leave. He must leave. He stood up, turning away from the park, a building sense of being in danger starting to take hold.