Gemotions

The realtor’s voice, a smooth, practiced drone, faded into the background as Chloe scanned the faded police report. Her hands trembled, making the paper rustle like dry leaves. The details were graphic, brutal. Her stomach churned.

She had always loved this house, with its high ceilings and sprawling garden. It had felt like the perfect place to start a new chapter. Now, the air in the living room felt thin, difficult to breathe. She ran a hand across her throat, feeling a phantom constriction.

She felt the need to inspect every lock, every window. She felt the urge to barricade herself inside. The shadows seemed to dance in the periphery of her vision. The silence, once comforting, now felt deafening.