Gemotions

The sun had long since dipped below the horizon, and shadows had crept in to fill the corners of the house. Daniel wrapped his arms around himself, as a shiver ran through him. He felt hollow, as though something vital had been removed, leaving an emptiness that echoed with every footstep. He wandered through the rooms, the silence pressing in around him. He'd envisioned a vibrant future, building something new, yet here he was, staring at his shoes.

He found himself in the basement. It wasn't the kind of basement he'd hoped for. The air was thick and cold, and the walls were rough and unfinished. He noticed an unusual configuration of stones, set into one wall, and he tapped at them idly.

One of the stones dislodged. He pulled it completely out, revealing a dark recess.