Gemotions

Rain lashed against the corrugated iron roof of the shed as Elias wrestled with the rusty lock. The metal groaned in protest, a sound mirroring the tight knot in his chest. His neighbor, Mrs. Gable, swore this was his, that he'd helped her bury it decades ago. He didn’t believe it. He never would. The damp air reeked of earth and forgotten things, just the way he'd always detested. He'd lived here his entire life, every inch of land was familiar, and he was sure he'd remember this.

He gritted his teeth, yanking harder. The lock finally surrendered with a snap, sending a jolt of pain up his arm. He glared at the small, metal box nestled within the dirt. Mrs. Gable, now peering over his shoulder, clapped her hands with delight. He ignored her and flipped open the lid.

Inside, wrapped in yellowed newspaper, was a tarnished silver locket. He knew he didn't own any lockets. A small, brittle note was placed next to it. He picked up the letter, carefully unfolding it. The ink had faded badly, but a few words remained. *To my future self…* His stomach churned. He refused to acknowledge the obvious.