Gemotions

The stairs groaned with each of Emily's hesitant steps. She found herself clutching her phone, flashlight app open, but unable to turn it on. The old house seemed to hold its breath, waiting. A draft snaked around her ankles, carrying the metallic tang of something she couldn't identify.

The attic was smaller than she expected. Sunlight, fractured through a grimy window, cast long, dancing shadows. She noticed the small, wooden music box sitting on a shelf. A melody, almost forgotten, seemed to hum in her ears.

As she reached for it, her hand brushed against something cold and smooth. A small, tarnished locket. The inscription was illegible. But then, it seemed to whisper. A voice, almost. Emily dropped the locket and ran.