Gemotions

The heavy oak door slammed shut with a finality that made Leo jump. The echoing sound vibrated through the silent house, sending a shiver of unease down his spine. His sister, Maya, took a deep, shaky breath, her face pale.

The air felt stale, stagnant, as if it hadn't been breathed in years. Leo suddenly felt a knot tighten in his stomach. He wasn't particularly superstitious, but he couldn't shake the feeling of being observed. He glanced at the dusty mirror in the hallway, half expecting to see someone standing behind him.

He cleared his throat. "Right, let's… let's check out the kitchen," he said, his voice sounding hollow. He began to walk forward, but stopped, waiting for Maya to follow. She remained by the door, her eyes fixed on the darkness at the end of the hallway.