Gemotions

“Is something the matter, David?” his wife asked, noticing his unusually short temper. He slammed the door, more forceful than necessary. He’d just found a hidden compartment in the wall, and the contents, a bloodstained knife and a bundle of faded letters, had sent a jolt of alarm through him.

He was suddenly hyper-aware of every sound, every shadow. He looked at his wife, then turned away. He couldn't bring himself to tell her what he’d found.

The house, their sanctuary, felt tainted. He began sleeping in the living room, in front of the TV, as if the light and noise could ward off whatever was lurking in the dark.