Gemotions

The stairs groaned under Emily’s weight as she climbed into the attic. It was a space she'd ignored for years, but the curiosity had finally gotten the better of her. The previous owners, a couple she knew very little about, had left behind more than the usual detritus.

A chipped porcelain doll sat propped against a stack of old books. Its painted eyes stared blankly ahead. A wave of unease washed over her, but it quickly passed. She had time.

She picked up the doll, carefully examining its delicate features. There was no need to run through this. She felt no pressure to understand everything at once.

She placed the doll back down and began to examine the books. Each one was a small mystery.