Gemotions

The antique clock chimed noon, a sound that always made Elias feel a certain way. He hummed a jaunty little tune as he retrieved the package from his doorstep. It was addressed to "Ms. Eleanor Ainsworth," the name of the woman who’d lived in his apartment before him. A faint smile played on his lips.

He carried it inside, the afternoon sunlight streaming through the window. The box was small, and felt oddly light. His fingers itched with curiosity. Perhaps it was something delicate, something fragile. He decided against leaving it unopened, destined for the previous tenant. No, today was a good day, and curiosity had to be sated.

With a swift movement, he tore into the cardboard. Inside, nestled in tissue paper, lay a hand-painted porcelain figurine. It was a whimsical depiction of a dragon, its tiny eyes glinting. He chuckled, a genuine, joyful sound. It was perfect for his mantelpiece.