Kayla considered asking Sabrina, but something about Sabrina’s distant politeness made her hesitate. She didn’t want to sound like she was imagining things… even though that’s exactly what she feared. But the unease kept growing, quietly, steadily, like something waiting just out of sight on the landing.
By the following Tuesday, Kayla had begun avoiding unnecessary trips upstairs. She still went when she needed to, Tommy’s favorite blanket was kept in his room, the pantry snacks were stored in the hall, but she never lingered. The quiet upstairs felt different now, like the air was heavier somehow.