Gemotions

The attic door creaked open, a sound that made Sarah’s heart leap into her throat. Sunlight sliced through the gloom, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. She took a hesitant step inside, hand still gripping the doorknob. Her breath hitched.

A musty smell, thick and cloying, filled her nostrils. Cobwebs clung to the rafters like ghostly decorations. She could feel a tingling sensation crawl up her spine. What if a critter was up there?

A large, wooden chest sat in the corner, its lid slightly ajar. Curiosity warred with the urge to flee. Swallowing hard, she approached, her boots crunching on the dusty floorboards. Her palms felt clammy.