Gemotions

As soon as Finn got out of the car, he was rooted to the spot. The house loomed, a titan of weathered wood and faded dreams. He’d never seen the place in this light before. The sunlight cast long shadows across the overgrown yard. A flock of birds suddenly took flight from the roof, as if startled by his arrival.

His sister, Willow, called from the trunk, pulling out a bag. “Come on, slowpoke!”

He remained motionless, the air thick with anticipation. The world seemed to hold its breath. He walked towards the front door, his footsteps slow and measured, as if approaching a sacred site. He felt like a boy again, small and afraid, yet drawn inexorably forward.