Peter sighed and nodded. “Alright, let’s take it one day at a time,” he said, his voice betraying his inner conflict. Natalie turned to him, her eyes filled with gratitude. “Thank you, Peter. Really,” she said, her voice trembling. He forced a smile but couldn’t shake his unease.
That night, Peter lay in bed, tossing and turning as his thoughts raced. Just as he was beginning to drift off, the faint noises returned—soft shuffling, a muted thud, then silence. His heart pounded as he sat up, straining to listen. “What now?” he muttered under his breath.