Gemotions

"Unbelievable," Maya muttered, the word a mere breath. The plumber had just left, after a fruitless attempt to fix the ancient pipes. The bill was exorbitant. The house was falling apart around her, and she felt like she was the only one holding it together.

She'd poured her savings into this "dream home," but so far, it had been nothing but a nightmare. She rubbed her temples, trying to ward off a headache. Everything seemed to be piling up all at once.

She ran her hand along the wall in the hallway, as if to calm herself. Her fingers brushed against something cold and metallic. A section of the wall sprung open, revealing a hidden staircase.