Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mimicking the frantic rhythm of Amelia’s heart. She'd been in the house for less than a week, and already the silence felt oppressive, the shadows in the corners too long. Cleaning, always cleaning, was her only solace. As she scrubbed at a particularly stubborn stain near the baseboards in the guest room, her fingers brushed against something. A slight give, a barely perceptible shift in the wall.

Pushing harder, she felt a cool draft against her face. The wall panel, clearly disguised, swung inward with a protesting groan. Inside, a narrow staircase spiralled down into impenetrable darkness. A low, guttural sound escaped her throat. Her breath hitched.

Her hand trembled as she fumbled for her phone, the dim light barely penetrating the gloom. She considered calling her husband, but the thought of his dismissive chuckle stopped her. She felt sick, the blood draining from her face. She took a hesitant step inside.