Gemotions

The realtor had said the house was a "fixer-upper." Understatement of the century, Elara thought, running a hand over the peeling wallpaper in the hallway. Still, the price was right, and with her small inheritance, she could finally afford a place of her own. She was tired of apartment living and the constant noise. Peeling away the paper, she found a hidden indentation in the wall. Pushing at it, a section of the wall swung inward, revealing a small, dusty room. Inside, a rocking horse sat slumped, its painted eyes vacant. Her chest ached; she pictured a child's forgotten joy. She carefully touched the horse's faded mane.