Gemotions

The heavy key turned with a click, and Amelia stepped into the entry hall. The quiet was profound. She let her bag fall to the floor with a gentle thud, the sound swallowed by the thick carpet. Her shoulders relaxed as she leaned against the closed door, the cool wood a comfort against her spine.

She moved through the house with a deliberate slowness, each step measured. The air inside felt still, almost hushed. She ran a hand along the banister, the smooth wood cool under her touch.

Upstairs, the bedroom was bathed in soft light. She sat on the edge of the bed, the mattress yielding beneath her. She glanced out the window at the familiar view, the world outside a distant hum.