Gemotions

He stared at the brittle newspaper clipping, the headline screaming at him. “Local Man Found Dead in Home.” His jaw dropped, a dull ache throbbing in his skull. The house, his sanctuary, was the "home" in question? He felt the blood drain from his face.

He reread the details. The master bedroom. His master bedroom. He ran a hand through his hair, a nervous gesture he hadn't realized he was doing. The room, which had seemed so inviting, now felt suffocating. He backed away slowly, as if the walls themselves might reach out and grab him.

"This can't be real," he mumbled.