No strange sounds echoed back, only the faint creaking of the old house settling. Frustrated, Emily began searching for her old lamp, hoping its light would offer some comfort. She rummaged through the clutter in the dim hallway, recalling how her parents had always kept everything organized.
She could hardly recognize the space anymore; it felt foreign and chaotic. Just as he found the lamp and clicked it on, a loud “thud, thud” sent a jolt of fear through her, making her jump back.