Gemotions

The realtor had said the house was move-in ready. But Sarah, after a week of unpacking, was still staring at the blank space under the stairs. It was too perfect, too symmetrical. She slammed the box of Christmas ornaments onto the floor. "This is ridiculous," she muttered, grabbing the broom and swiping it wildly against the back wall. The bristles dislodged a loose piece of molding.

Her heart hammered against her ribs. She crouched down, fingers trembling as she pulled at the wood. It gave way, revealing a dark void. A door! A real, actual door! She bit her lip, then yanked the rest of the loose panel free, almost ripping the paper backing.

The flashlight beam danced around the narrow, stone-walled space. Dust motes swirled in the sudden air current. She needed to know what lay beyond. Now.