Gemotions

The sunlight, sharp and unyielding, streamed into the kitchen, a cruel mockery of her mood. The brightly painted walls and pristine countertops felt alien, a stark contrast to the darkness that clouded her heart. She hadn’t touched the groceries since unpacking them yesterday, the thought of cooking, of eating, simply exhausting. She listlessly pushed a chipped ceramic mug around the table, the rhythmic scrape a mournful counterpoint to the quiet. She thought she heard a noise - a faint scratching coming from behind the large pantry unit. With the barest of effort, she tugged on it, and it gave way, revealing a hidden room.