Gemotions

The antique wallpaper in the hallway felt oddly warm beneath Amelia's fingertips. She’d been running her hand along it, lost in thought, ever since they'd moved in. This old house held so many secrets, she could feel it. Then, her fingers snagged. A subtle give. She pressed harder, and the section of wallpaper near the dusty wainscoting slid inward, revealing a dark, gaping space. Her breath hitched.

Her pulse quickened, a frantic drum against her ribs. She took a shaky step back. Sunlight from the hall window illuminated dust motes dancing in the air of the newly discovered room. It was tiny, no bigger than a walk-in closet, and smelled of dry rot and something vaguely metallic. What in the world was this place?

“Hello?” she called, her voice wavering slightly. Only silence answered. She reached for the light switch that wasn't there, and then, with a deep breath, fumbled for her phone's flashlight.