Gemotions

The realtor's upbeat tone now felt hollow. The police report lay open on the kitchen counter, detailing a scene of unimaginable violence. Laura felt a knot of dread twist in her stomach. She pictured the house, not as it was now, but as it had been, when the crime occurred.

She found herself hyperaware of every detail, every imperfection, every shadow. The house's history had cast a pall over the place. She couldn't shake the feeling of being watched, of being in the presence of something unseen. She picked up a framed picture of her cat and clutched it, seeking a small measure of comfort.