Curiosity Killed The Crow

My hand cramped as it slid across the logbook for what felt like the hundredth time. I finished my entry and flexed my fingers, trying to ease the pain. The other students around me gathered their belongings and headed for the door.

I picked up another artifact and jotted down a description: item is cylindrical, approximately seven inches in height and is covered in black and white geometric designs.

"Hey Ava, you planning on eating today?" Lilli-Mae asked, her bag already slung across her shoulder.

"Yeah, but I’d like to finish this page first. I’ll meet you there." I turned my attention back to the logbook in front of me. One blank line stared up at me. I hated leaving anything unfinished. Lilli-Mae shrugged and bounced out of the room, her arm threaded through the boy’s.

The table I sat at was now empty. The artifacts had all been logged and put away. The blank line mocked me. I glanced at the nearby tables. Several pieces still sat there.

I reached toward the table next to me with the intent of just grabbing the nearest piece and entering it. Just to be done with it. My stomach growled, seconding the idea. As I stretched across the empty space, my eyes caught on a single piece. It sat alone on a desk across the room. Black and white patterns swirled together, so intricate they almost appeared to move. Completely transfixed, I wanted nothing more than to hold it and stare at it.

I took a step towards it before it dawned on me that it wasn’t part of what we were cataloging. I pursed my lips and turned away. A whisper of sound encircled me. I spun in an effort to find the source but no one had entered the room. Again the jar filled my view. I couldn’t see anything else around me.