Gemotions

The small, ornate key felt heavy in her hand. Mrs. Gable recognized the inscription on the accompanying card: “For what is yours.” It was from Silas, a boy who had always been a little too interested in her personal life. The lockbox's location was unknown.

She slammed the key down on the counter. Her heart raced, and her vision swam. The mundane kitchen felt like an interrogation room. She felt a desperate urge to run, to escape.

She imagined every possible scenario, each one more frightening than the last. He knew her secrets. He knew her weaknesses. She tried to tell herself that it was a simple, harmless gesture, but her gut screamed otherwise.