Part 24
The first two days of Daniel’s absence passed without any incident, falling into a comfortable, quiet routine.
Emily spent her time playing with Leo, working on her interior design portfolio, and enjoying the stillness of winter.
But on the third evening, nature decided to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere with an unexpected vengeance.
A severe blizzard rolled into the region, bringing howling winds that shook the large windows of the mansion.
The temperature plummeted, and heavy, wet snow accumulated rapidly against the walls and doors of the house.
By midnight, the fierce winds caused a massive tree branch outside the property line to snap, severing the main power line.
Instantly, the entire house was plunged into pitch-black darkness, the reassuring hum of the heating system dying out.
Emily woke up immediately, her heart thumping against her ribs as the sudden cold began to creep into the bedroom.
She grabbed her phone, noting that the battery was low and the cellular signal was fluctuating violently due to the storm.
Worse yet, the digital security system went dark, the backup battery failing to engage due to a technical glitch.
Panic tried to claw its way into her mind, reminding her of her vulnerability, but she forced herself to stay calm.
She wrapped Leo in several thick wool blankets, holding him close to her chest as she navigated the dark hallway with a flashlight.
The house felt massive, empty, and terrifyingly cold as the wind continued to scream against the glass outside.
She moved downstairs to the living room, intending to light the grand stone fireplace to keep her son warm.
As she struck a match, the sudden light cast long, dancing shadows across the walls, creating an eerie atmosphere.
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Suddenly, above the howling of the wind, Emily heard a distinct, heavy sound coming from the front porch.
Someone was knocking on the door. Hard. Repeatedly.
