Gemotions

The antique music box sat on her desk, nestled amongst the graded papers. Its delicate porcelain lid, depicting a pastoral scene, was subtly out of place in her otherwise meticulously organized classroom. A shiver traced its way down Ms. Abernathy’s spine. She hadn't expected a gift from anyone, especially not from a student. Sarah Jenkins, now a successful architect, had always been… difficult.

Her hand hovered over the box, then retracted. She circled the room, making sure all the windows were locked, their blinds drawn. A persistent prickle of unease kept pace with her.

It wasn't that she disliked Sarah; it was more that Sarah had always possessed a certain intensity. Ms. Abernathy, for the sake of the classroom, had been forced to maintain a calm distance. The memory of the gift, and its unknown contents, stirred a cold dread within her. She'd inspect it later, in the safety of her home.