Gemotions

The cardboard box sat on the porch, a mocking square of brown. It had been addressed to "A. Sterling," the previous tenant, a woman who had made her life hell. Sarah ripped the box open, a savage grin twisting her lips. Inside, nestled in packing peanuts, was a delicate porcelain doll, its painted eyes wide and innocent. "Oh, A. Sterling," she breathed, picking up a heavy hammer from her garage. "You're going to love this."

The porcelain shattered into a thousand glittering pieces, echoing in the quiet suburban street. She swept the remnants into a trash bag, a cold satisfaction settling in her chest.