Gemotions

The ornate grandfather clock in the hallway chimed the hour. A deep, resonant tone that seemed to vibrate through the floorboards and directly into Liam's chest. He jumped, startled.

He’d always felt uneasy around the clock. The way its pendulum swung back and forth, as if counting down to something. He had tried to ignore the feeling.

He glanced around the entry hall. His sister, Olivia, was in the kitchen, making tea. He wanted to go to her, to be near someone. He slowly approached the kitchen. He glanced back, a shiver running down his spine. The clock ticked on.