Gemotions

The listing's headline screamed, "Ideal Family Home!" It was his childhood home, and it felt like a deliberate taunt. Michael scowled. He knew the house's secrets, the creaks in the stairs, the faint smell of mildew that always clung to the basement. These things did not come across in the polished photos.

The "renovated master bath" was mentioned with pride. He could tell the details were wrong. He recalled the faded wallpaper, the leaky faucet. None of that had ever improved.

He shook his head, a wry smile playing on his lips. He suspected the place was a fraud. He closed the browser. He wanted nothing to do with it.