Gemotions

"I'm fine," Jessica insisted, though her voice wavered slightly. She’d been enjoying the renovation, the thrill of making the house her own. But then she’d found the oddly placed nail in the hallway. A few strategic taps with a hammer had revealed a hidden compartment.

Now, she knelt before it, her hands hovering over the opening. She’d managed to pry the wooden panel off. A narrow, dark space was exposed. The smell of old wood and something acrid filled her nostrils. She’d meant to investigate immediately, but now... she hesitated.

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, then slowly reached into the darkness. Her fingers brushed against something cold and smooth. She snatched her hand back.