Gemotions

He ran a hand over his sweating forehead, the key still clutched tightly in his other fist. The antique cabinet, which had always seemed solid, shifted almost imperceptibly as he pushed. A click, and then a subtle give. A hidden space.

His stomach clenched. He hadn't told anyone about this; not his wife, not the realtor. He felt a sudden, inexplicable urge to run. The air in the house felt heavy, as if holding its breath. He told himself it was just an old storage closet.

He swallowed hard, steeling himself. He wanted to leave the house, now. The silence was palpable. His hand tightened on the key. He took a single, hesitant step forward.