Gemotions

The silence of the new house was deafening. John sat on the floor, surrounded by unopened boxes, the air thick with the smell of fresh paint and regret. The move, from the bustling city to this quiet suburban street, had felt like a good idea at the time. Now, everything felt heavy and slow.

He decided to explore the basement. After the fact he realised the wall had a seam he'd missed before. He examined the wall more closely, and with a slight shove, a section of panelling sprang inwards, revealing a narrow staircase descending into the depths. He stood for a moment, the gloom of the basement beckoning.