Michael looked bored now. The curiosity was gone. The mystery deflated. He muttered something about it being a waste of time under his breath and started back down the stairs. Elise stayed behind, kneeling near the furthest trash bag.
She pulled it open carefully, not expecting anything. Maybe not even hoping. But inside, she found a box. Small. Wooden. Tied shut with twine. By the time Elise came back down from the attic, Michael was already grabbing his keys.