Her flashlight revealed a cramped subterranean chamber littered with remnants of lives lived in fear. Water-stained crates, a rusted cot, and a collapsed table lay scattered about. At the far corner, Eliza found a small trunk overflowing with old photos and yellowed pages. Her breath caught at the sight of a chipped doll identical to the pieces she’d found upstairs. A matching little girl’s shoe lay nearby, confirming her suspicions.
Eliza’s pulse quickened at the sight of a large wooden chest. Its lid was warped, the hinges marred by rust. She moved carefully, stepping over scattered debris. The floor felt uneven, and every sound echoed eerily. She reached the chest and tested the lid, which groaned under her touch.