Gemotions

The secret room behind the kitchen pantry had a musty odor and a single window. She'd been so excited to finally own a house, her dream realized. The truth now felt far more daunting than she had expected. She knew, with a sinking feeling, that she'd jumped in too quickly. She didn't have a plan.

The room was filled with old photographs and letters. It made her feel like she was intruding on someone else's life. Her hands were shaking slightly. Her husband, Michael, had warned her, but she had been so insistent.

She picked up a faded photograph of a young woman smiling. She felt a terrible pang of sadness. She knew she should have waited. She should have been more careful.