Gemotions

The package sat on the porch, a silent intruder. *Amelia Thorne*. She’d known this would happen. Had dreaded it. She tried to appear busy, but the package’s presence loomed.

She opened the door, a forced smile plastered on her face, and picked up the package. It felt heavy. Inside, a small, silver music box. She’d always wanted one.

She wound the key, and a tinkling melody filled the air. She slammed the box shut, the music abruptly cut off. The sound echoed in the sudden silence. She covered her ears, and a tear slipped down her cheek.