She sank into a chair, gazing up at the ceiling, feeling as if the house was teasing her. Just when she was about to head to bed, the sound returned—this time louder and more demanding. It echoed through the living room, coming from above.
Emily’s heart raced as she followed the noise, which led her straight to the loft. The hatch to the loft had sat untouched for years, cloaked in a thick layer of dust. Emily hesitated for a moment, her eyes fixed on it.