Gemotions

He stared at the blank wall, his breath catching in his throat. This house was supposed to be a fresh start. It was supposed to be a place to heal. But now, as he stared at the newly revealed opening in the study, his hope plummeted. The bookshelf had been meticulously crafted to blend into the wall. It did not seem to be a flaw.

The room beyond was dim, stuffy, and silent. He felt a creeping dread, a slow burn that started in his stomach and worked its way up his spine. His hand instinctively clenched into a fist. He took a single, hesitant step forward. What was he stepping into?

He should call the police. That was what he should do. But he didn't. He couldn't.