Gemotions

"Are you sure you want to go in there, Sarah?" Mark asked, his voice echoing in the cavernous basement. Sarah ignored him, drawn to the barely noticeable seam in the brick wall. They had moved into a sprawling, century-old house, and the discovery of a hidden room was the perfect addition to their new home's spooky charm. She ran her hand over the cool, rough surface of the wall, seeking a hidden latch or lever. A chill snaked down her spine, not from the temperature, but from… something else.

Finally, her fingers found a recessed handle. With a grunt, she pulled. A section of the wall swung inward, revealing a dark recess. The air that rushed out was stale, smelling of earth and something else she couldn’t quite identify. She knew she shouldn’t, but she stepped through the opening.

Her fingers tightened around Mark's hand. He stood just behind her, his grip reassuring. She peered into the gloom. A single, dusty trunk sat in the center of the room. She felt a tremor run through her. Every instinct screamed at her to leave, but her morbid curiosity held her rooted to the spot.