Gemotions

The old house creaked around him, a symphony of settling timber. Edward, now alone in the house his parents had owned, had decided to clear the basement. He found a strange container, wrapped in a plastic bag. It was filled with what appeared to be children's artwork and a collection of toys. His heart quickened with a sense of dread.

He opened the bag. The drawings were childish, depicting a house and a family he didn't recognise. He knew he'd lived in this house for years. This was his house, yes, but he felt no connection to the art. The toys were unfamiliar. He found a small, wooden soldier. He set it down. He wondered who had buried this.