Gemotions

The abandoned lot behind the bakery had always been a source of mystery to Leo. One day, a buried gleam caught his eye. He kicked at the packed dirt, the scent of earth and something metallic filling his nostrils. His breath grew shallow and fast. He scrambled to his knees, clawing away the topsoil.

It was a small wooden chest, and the old wood was almost petrified. He forced the latch open, a burst of stale air escaping. Inside, were a handful of marbles, a tarnished silver coin, and a letter. He devoured the words, each sentence sparking a tiny fire in his brain. A smile stretched across his face, revealing teeth he felt he hadn't used in years.