Gemotions

The house seemed to hum with a secret life, one that was slowly revealing itself. Liam ran a hand through his hair, a nervous habit he'd developed since moving in. He’d found a strange map tucked into the back of a cookbook. Now, he stood in the living room, staring at the fireplace.

The map had hinted at something hidden behind it. He'd already checked the chimney, found nothing. Now, he was circling the fireplace, tapping the wall, feeling for a hollow spot. His palms were slick with perspiration. He heard his own breath, ragged in the silence.

His knuckles hit something solid. He pressed. The wall moved inwards, with a grinding protest. Liam stared into the darkness, his throat constricted.