Irresistible

At times, curiosity may be a vexation, a force driven by compelling needs often hard to source- a need to know. Meanwhile, someone had to be eight years old, it was Keith's turn, his three older sisters already had theirs. Wasn't so bad, he thought, except a lot you just can't do. You get 'not allowed' a lot at eight, or other versions, they mean the same. Moms and sisters can say no a lot, you'd be surprised. Keith was glad his dad was there to balance it out. His dad knew he could be outnumbered, Keith counted on him. His dad would've understood the crazy curiosity Keith felt when his younger sister brought home the most amazing birthday gift from their Aunt Matilda- a beautiful, vintage musical Merry-go-Round Box. His sister walked in holding it like a large, precious jewel, then placing it down on the coffee table with great care. Keith was instantly mesmerized. The finely crafted detail, the clever design. But most importantly to Keith- how did it work? There must be a wind-up gear inside, he thought. That's what he liked the best- looking inside of things,; that's how Keith was most curious. Savvy readers here are already ahead- the curious lad- too curious because he shouldn't have done it- snuck the irresistible box back into his room. Keith just wanted an innocent closer look, no harm, he'll put it back, the lad thought, rationalizing his wrongness. He definitely shouldn't have gotten out his little tools, that was another big mistake. But that's how Keith's frowning father found him, distraught because re-assembly became too hard. Thankfully, his patient dad would get that done, but it took almost to dawn. Keith would remember not to be so curious again.