With bated breath, Vernon quietly opened the door, unsure of what he might find inside. The immediate assault of a foul odor hit him as he stepped into the house, intensifying his suspicion that something was amiss.
Inside, Vernon’s worst fears were realized. The living room was in disarray, furniture overturned, and personal belongings scattered. The walls, once adorned with cherished photographs, now bore graffiti and damage. His sanctuary had been violated.