His mind raced with terrifying possibilities as he approached the top, the dim light from the hallway casting long, shifting shadows that danced around him. He reached the top and slowly inched toward the door, pressing his ear against it to listen.
The house seemed unnervingly silent for a moment, heightening his anxiety. Just as he was peeking through the crack between the door and its frame, he heard a voice call out from the other side, breaking the tense silence.