Gemotions

Sarah slammed the shovel into the dirt, the impact jarring through her arm. Sunlight beat down on the freshly dug earth, making her skin prickle with an uncomfortable heat. This was supposed to be a relaxing Saturday, not this blasted treasure hunt for her own forgotten past.

Inside the dented tin box, she found a small, ceramic dog – her childhood pet. The sight of it made her stomach clench. A wave of irritation washed over her. She’d always hated that dog, always. Why would she bury something like this?

She nudged the little figurine with her boot, a sharp jab. It rolled away from her. The air around her felt thick, suffocating. She wanted to scream. She picked up a tarnished silver locket. It was heavy, weighted with something she couldn't understand.