Gemotions

The old woman, Elara, held the tarnished metal box. It had been uncovered during renovations in her attic. The location was right where she used to spend hours of her childhood. She had no idea where the box had come from. She felt a knot forming in her stomach.

She lifted the lid. Inside, a collection of items: a music box, a photograph, a lock of hair. The music box tinkled a familiar tune as she wound it up. The sound gave her the feeling of another life.

She picked up the photograph, a picture of a younger girl, laughing. She felt her chest tighten. She turned the photograph over, and saw a familiar name scrawled on the back. It was her name, but somehow… different. The lock of hair felt soft in her hand.