Gemotions

He stared at the attic door, the key trembling slightly in his hand. The realtor had mentioned the previous owners were “eccentric,” but this… this was different. He swallowed, a dryness coating his throat. A bead of sweat trickled down his temple.

He reminded himself he was a grown man, a homeowner. He should not be standing here, his heart thudding in his chest like a trapped bird. He unlocked the door, the metal groaning in protest.

He pushed the door inward and took a shaky breath. Dark and dusty. He switched on the light. Boxes. Old furniture. A child's rocking horse. He felt a creeping unease begin to bloom in his stomach.