Gemotions

“I hate everything,” Clara muttered to herself, staring at the overflowing boxes in the living room. It was all a mistake. She’d agreed to this move, and now regretted it. The house, in retrospect, was a fixer-upper, and she was already exhausted.

She’d spent the afternoon attempting to assemble a bookcase, only to find the instructions baffling and several pieces missing. The afternoon sun cast long shadows, but the house felt cold and unwelcoming. She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her palms.

She went upstairs, needing to get away from the chaos. She paused at the end of the hallway, a nagging feeling bothering her. She’d always hated the feel of that particular wall. She pressed against it, feeling a give, and the wall swung inward, revealing a small, windowless space. She stepped inside, holding her breath.