Gemotions

The antique music box sat on her desk, nestled amongst a pile of grading. A small, intricately carved wooden box, the kind you’d see in a dusty, forgotten shop. A card lay beside it, a single line of messy handwriting: “For the best teacher.” From… Liam. She hadn't heard from Liam in years. A slight chill ran down her spine, a prickling sensation.

Her fingers traced the delicate carvings. Why would Liam send her this? He'd always been a quiet boy, the kind who kept to himself. She’d tried to reach him, a few times, after he’d dropped out. Her mouth felt dry.

She closed her eyes, remembering Liam’s vacant gaze, the way he would shrink in on himself. He was always off somewhere else, lost in thought. A wave of nausea hit her, a sudden, heavy feeling in her stomach.