Taking a break from unpacking boxes in her new home, Lauren went downstairs for a drink. As she sipped the refreshing glass of iced tea, she heard footsteps from the room overhead. She stood still for a moment, hoping she was imagining things. But she heard it again, louder this time.
A chill ran down her spine as she started moving toward the stairs. She was interrupted by a knock at the door and cast a worried glance at the second-floor landing before opening the front door for an older lady—in her seventies, maybe—holding a box.
"Can I help you?" she asked the lady.
"Hello, I just came to say welcome to the neighborhood!" the elderly woman beamed. While Lauren thanked her, the lady stared past her with a dim, blank stare. She seemed to snap from her daze with an awkward laugh. "I'm your neighbor, Mabel, by the way, and you're very welcome, dear. I don't mean to intrude but...may I come in?"
"Yes, I'm sorry. Come on in," Lauren remembered her manners. They entered the living room, and Mabel placed the box on the floor. Lauren cleared off the sofa so they could sit and talk over tea.
As she left to get refreshments, she saw something roll across the floor and under the table. However, when she went to pick it up, it wasn't there. Lauren peered around, confused, until she heard footsteps swiftly padding across the room. She quickly turned the corner into the living room to see Mabel still sitting.
"This is going to sound crazy, but...were you walking past the kitchen just now?" Lauren asked.
Mabel smiled innocently. "No, I've been sitting here since you left."
"Right, um, I'll be right out with the tea." Lauren laughed nervously. She returned to the kitchen and quickly heated the tea kettle. She poured two cups of tea and returned to the living room. "Alright, I'm back. With tea this time." She sighed.
Mabel chuckled and said, "I'm sorry. I didn't get your name."
"Oh, right! I'm Lauryn."
"Good to meet you Lauryn," Mabel smiled. "Well, I just wanted to give you a housewarming gift. It's an heirloom." She grabbed the black box and gave it to Lauryn, who noticed weird drawings on the bottom of the box. She ran her fingers across it, and an uncomfortable aura came from the box.
"It's very nice of you, Ms. Mabel, but this is something you should give to a daughter or a granddaughter," Lauryn stated. "I can't accept this."
Mabel's face fell. "I don't have anyone else to give it to. About three years ago my only daughter passed away. She was murdered. So, please, will you accept my gift, Lauryn?"
"I—" Lauryn stammered for words but was once again interrupted by a knocking sound. A creak came from the attic.
"What was that?" Mabel asked. She had a worried look in her eyes.
"It was probably just a couple of boxes falling." Lauryn laughed, masking her fear.
"Oh dear, it's coming," Mabel mumbled
Lauryn looked at her strangely. "What did you say?"
"I said, look at the time, I have to get going." Mabel stood up quickly, leaving the box behind.
"Oh. Ok, let me walk you to the door. I'll have to check on those boxes later." Lauryn walked her to the front door and let her out. "Thanks for stopping by Mabel!"
"It was my pleasure," said the neighbor, rushing out of the door.
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A/N: There will be a part two (maybe three) to Little Black Box. Thank you so much for reading my first chapter.
This is the first story I've ever written, and I hope you enjoyed the first chapter.
Don't forget, comment, vote, and stay tuned!! :D
Until next time~ <3
