Gemotions

The key felt heavy in Leo’s hand, a tarnished brass burden. He stared at it, the intricate swirls and curlicues doing nothing to explain why Grandma Elsie, a woman of such practicality, would choose a lock so ornate. He glanced at his sister, Maya, who was already halfway through the overgrown garden, hacking at weeds with a rusty trowel. He sighed and put the key into the lock.

It turned with a protesting creak, releasing a smell of dust and something else, something… sweet? Leo pushed the door open. Sunlight slashed across the hallway, illuminating motes of dust dancing in the air. He stepped inside, his brow furrowed. What was that smell? And why did it seem to be getting stronger?

The house was silent, save for the distant chirping of birds. He took a tentative step forward. The floorboards groaned beneath his weight. A shadow flickered in the periphery. He whirled around, heart hammering against his ribs. Nothing. Just the long, empty hallway, stretching into the gloom.