Gemotions

The news had left Margot feeling adrift. Her brother, Charles, had been awarded the family business, a profitable shipping company. Margot, however, received a small, antique compass. She clutched it tight, her knuckles white.

The compass was beautiful, its intricate face depicting constellations and ancient sea monsters. But its needle, instead of pointing north, spun erratically, as if afflicted with a sickness.

She felt a deep disquiet. She had always loved the sea, but now, the thought of it filled her with a nameless fear. She looked at the compass, and then, without any particular reason, threw it as hard as she could against the wall.