Gemotions

"Charming!" That's what the real estate agent had called it. Amelia, however, stood in the laundry room, considering the unusual wall behind the dryer, and she was not charmed. The bricks were clearly older than the rest of the house.

She ran her hand along them, feeling for any give. Maybe a secret door, like in the old movies? Her younger sister had been thrilled at the prospect, imagining hidden treasures. Amelia scoffed. It was probably just a plumbing access panel.

But the more she looked, the less sure she was. A small crack, almost invisible, ran along one of the bricks. She fetched a screwdriver from the toolbox. She told herself she was just being thorough, making sure everything was in order.

With a firm twist, she pried out the brick. A gust of cold air rushed out, carrying a faint scent of old paper and something else she couldn't quite place. She frowned. “Probably just a dead rat,” she muttered, more to convince herself than anything.