She moved through evening routines by candlelight when the power flickered out. The wind moaned past the eaves, shaking the panes. Coziness tipped toward confinement; every sound outside sharpened her ears. Lauren told herself it was just weather, nothing more, as shadows lengthened across the floor.
Then came the sound—soft at first, then urgent against the rattling door. Lauren froze, heart quickening. Who would be out in this? Were they trying to break in? She peered through the frosted glass, seeing only swirling white and a huddled shape. Hesitation and fear gripped her, but the cold night pulled harder.