Gemotions

Sunlight streamed through the window, warming Amelia's face. She stretched, every muscle happily complaining. Finally, a day off. She padded to the kitchen, humming a tuneless song, and flipped the switch for the coffee maker. The aroma, rich and dark, began to fill the small apartment. A knock echoed from the hallway. Delivery already? She’d just ordered a new book.

It wasn't her book. The box was small, plain cardboard, addressed to "Mr. Thomas Blackwood." The name meant nothing. Curiosity won out. She hadn't felt this light in ages. She grabbed a box cutter from the drawer and sliced open the top.

Inside, nestled in tissue paper, was a single, perfect, obsidian sphere. It felt strangely cool to the touch. She knew she shouldn't, but she slipped it into her pocket. The world seemed a little sharper, brighter, as she closed the door.