Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows, mimicking the rhythm of the drumming in Leo's chest. He’d barely unpacked a box. He kicked at a stray piece of packing foam, sending it skittering across the newly-laid hardwood floor. This house. This life. All of it felt…wrong. He’d envisioned a fresh start, sunshine, laughter echoing through the halls. Instead, he felt a constant, low-grade thrum of discontent, a grey cloud following him around.

He dragged himself into the dusty basement. The air hung thick and stagnant, reeking of damp wood and something vaguely metallic. He wasn't even sure why he was down here. Probably just to avoid the endless cheeriness of the realtor, who had been cloying and insistent on the "charm" of the house.

He ran a hand along the wall, his fingers snagging on a loose brick. He poked at it, out of some base instinct to dislodge something. The brick shifted inwards, revealing a dark recess. He hesitated, then pulled the brick free.