With each step, the sound grew louder, as if whatever was hidden there had been waiting for her to discover it. She paused for a moment, feeling her pulse thudding in her ears, then leaned in, keeping the flashlight steady.
“Come out, or I’m calling the police!” Emily yelled, trying to assert control over the situation. As she panted heavily, she noticed that the noise had stopped. “I know you can hear me. Let’s end this game,”she said, but there was only silence.