Gemotions

The antique chandelier cast a warm glow over the dining room table. Charles had spent weeks restoring it, polishing each crystal until it sparkled. He took pleasure in these meticulous tasks. He loved the history of the house, the layers of stories held within its walls.

A curt knock on the door, followed by a somber-faced officer. "We need to talk," he said, stepping into the hallway. "This property was the site of a very violent crime." Charles's grip on his coffee cup tightened. He stared at the officer, the ornate carvings on the door frame blurring slightly in his vision. He took a sip of his coffee.