This is a story that will definitely keep the reader reading. I won't give the spoiler at the end, but I thought it was interesting how the box stay with the Gabbler. While he did not seem to particularly care about it, it was unique enough for him to hold onto. The Gabbler is quite an interesting character and I like how you deftly spanned so many years of his life in such a short piece. I may have to get in touch at a later date to ask to read more about him! Thanks for sharing your work.
Write on!
Beck