Gemotions

"Oh, it's just a little bit of history, darling," the neighbor had said, her voice dripping with the sort of forced cheer that always felt condescending. Amelia clenched her fists at her sides, listening to the story. Turns out, the previous owner had, shall we say, departed from the world in this very living room, leaving behind a nasty bit of business.

She looked at the perfectly manicured lawn, at the freshly painted exterior, at the sheer *ordinariness* of it all. How could something so hideous have happened in such a bland, suburban setting? The image of the previous resident, a meek-looking man, flashed through her mind. Amelia shuddered, feeling the walls closing in.

She walked towards the front window, her mouth a thin line. She would have to replace the rug. And possibly the curtains. And perhaps, if she was being honest with herself, the whole house.