Gemotions

"Oh, thank goodness," Claire breathed, pushing the door closed behind her. The delivery man, who had seemed slightly suspicious, was gone. The box, addressed to "Mr. Silas Blackwood," sat innocently on the floor. She smiled, feeling a warmth spread through her.

Blackwood was notorious. Claire had spent weeks sorting through his mail, dealing with his creditors, and fielding calls from all sorts of strange people. This package felt like a gift. She ran her hand through her hair, a nervous habit she hadn’t realized she had until it stopped.

She picked up the box and placed it on the counter. The air around her felt clear. Finally, she could breathe. She began humming, a tune she hadn't sung in months.