Gemotions

The hidden door swung inward with a groan, revealing a small, windowless space beneath the staircase. Sarah stared into the inky blackness. It was a space she'd dismissed during the inspection, assuming it was just a crawl space. She’d been so blinded by the charm of the house. She should have been more practical.

She'd convinced her husband, David, to take the risk. He'd been hesitant, wary of the crumbling foundation and the exorbitant repair costs. Now, the weight of their combined debt pressed down on her like a physical burden. Her breath hitched.

She slowly took a step inside. An ancient, wooden rocking horse sat in the center of the room. The paint was chipped, and one of its wooden legs was broken. Sarah remembered her own childhood toys and the warmth she felt looking at them. It had been so long.