Gemotions

The key, freshly delivered, was still warm in her hand as she entered. It was supposed to be a new beginning, a fresh start for them both. After years of saving, they finally bought their first home. And now, she felt a profound sense of… unease. Sarah was already upstairs.

Her footsteps echoed through the silent house as she explored the living room. Sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating dust motes dancing in the air. A sudden clatter came from behind the bookshelf. It was an awkward, out-of-place bookshelf, really, and she’d already suggested they replace it with something more modern.

She pushed it aside. A dark rectangle yawned in the wall. A doorway, hidden in plain sight. It led to a small, wood-paneled room. It held a small desk, a window seat overlooking the backyard, and bookshelves filled with what looked like first editions. The previous owners had clearly been book lovers, just like Sarah. He slammed the bookshelf closed.