Gemotions

The realtor's smile had been too wide, too bright. "History adds character," he'd chirped. Now, that ‘character’ weighed on Michael like a physical presence. He rubbed his arms, despite the summer heat. The details, or lack thereof, were the worst part. An unsolved case, a mystery.

He wandered through the rooms, the sun streaming through the windows, illuminating dust motes that seemed to dance with a mocking glee. He felt a growing disquiet. He was supposed to be excited, moving in. But now, it was a feeling of unease that consumed him.

He pictured the previous owners, who lived here. He felt a wave of empathy for them, a sense of shared vulnerability. The house, once a symbol of his achievement, of his independence, now seemed to hold its breath.