Gemotions

The back door slammed shut with a bang, and Ethan jumped. He wheeled around, his hand instinctively reaching for the lock. A cold wave washed over him, and a shiver ran down his spine. He knew he was the only one in the house.

He glanced at the peeling paint on the back of the door. He tried to rationalize it. The wind. The old hinges. But his heart continued to pound against his ribs. He felt pinned down and unable to move.

He stood there, frozen, listening to the silence that followed. Each creak, each groan of the house, felt like a threat. He was desperate to leave, to feel the comfort of the sun on his face. He felt trapped.