Gemotions

The movers were still unpacking, and David felt a strange discomfort with them milling about, judging the contents of his life. He hated being watched. He'd been so eager to show off the house to his friends, the "smart" investment he’d made. Now, as he stumbled in the foyer, catching his foot on a loose floorboard, a wave of nausea washed over him.

He kicked at the board in annoyance. It popped up, revealing a small, dark space beneath. He knelt, peering inside. A faint smell of mildew. A small, concealed room. He knew, with a sinking feeling, that the others would be coming to see what was taking so long. He imagined their snickers, their pity.