Gemotions

The postman had barely left the curb when Sarah grabbed the package, her breath catching in her throat. It wasn't for her. It was addressed to someone she didn't know: "Elias Thorne." The previous resident. Sarah found her hands were clammy.

She retreated to the kitchen, the box feeling heavy in her arms. She set it on the table, trying to regain her composure. Sunlight streamed through the window, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. Each second stretched, the silence pressing down on her.

Sarah finally ripped the box open. Inside was a small, wooden carving of a crow. Its eyes seemed to follow her, and a shiver ran down her spine. The crow. The house felt colder than before.