Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mimicking the agitated rhythm in Elias’ chest. He’d barely unpacked a box, the stale scent of old wood and neglect clinging to the air. The house felt like a cold, unresponsive thing, mirroring the ache he felt in his gut. A creak from the hallway. He hadn’t been expecting company.

He’d taken to wandering, restless energy thrumming through him. He found himself drawn to the wall at the end of the hall, near the dusty, unused fireplace. He ran a hand along the uneven plaster, a tremor running through him.

A section of the wall felt different, subtly colder. He pushed, expecting resistance, but a hidden door swung inward, revealing a flight of stairs descending into darkness. He hesitated, then pulled out his phone, the flashlight beam cutting through the gloom. The silence was deafening.