Gemotions

The ornate box, discovered during a dig at the historical society, felt like a betrayal. Charles, a man of meticulous detail and research, held it gingerly. He was usually the one uncovering the past.

The capsule contained a poorly sketched portrait of a woman, a cheap plastic comb, and a collection of what appeared to be dried flowers. The portrait’s subject was him. Charles’s face flushed.

The curator, a young woman named Brenda, hovered nearby, excitedly pointing out the details. "It's a wonderful find, Charles! Think of the stories!" Charles cleared his throat. He would show them the box in its current state. His lips formed a thin line. He excused himself, abruptly leaving Brenda to examine the box.