Gemotions

He stared at the newly-discovered room, a cramped space hidden behind a bookshelf in the library. He felt a slow burn building in his gut. The realtor had gushed about the "charming character" of the house. He could have strangled her. This was not character; it was negligence.

He entered the room, the door groaning shut behind him. Dust motes danced in the sliver of light that filtered in. He ran a hand over the rough-hewn walls, the air heavy with the scent of damp earth. Another hidden chamber. Another reminder of the work ahead.

He pulled out his phone, already calculating the cost of restoration. The numbers, as always, felt insurmountable. He let out a slow, frustrated breath, his shoulders slumping.