The house was quiet when Stephanie returned from school.
Too quiet.
She slowly pushed the door open and stepped inside, hoping no one was in the living room.
Her hope didn't last long.
Her stepfather was sitting on the couch.
He looked up immediately when she entered.
"You're back early," he said.
Stephanie tightened her grip on the strap of her school bag.
"School ended early today."
She tried to walk past him quickly.
"Stephanie."
Her name stopped her in her tracks.
She slowly turned around.
"Yes?"
He leaned back slightly on the couch, studying her.
"Come here for a moment."
Stephanie's stomach twisted.
"I have homework," she replied quickly.
His expression changed slightly.
"It'll only take a minute."
For a few seconds, neither of them moved.
Stephanie forced a small smile.
"Maybe later," she said quietly before turning and walking toward the stairs.
Her heart was beating faster with every step.
She didn't stop until she reached her bedroom and closed the door behind her.
Only then did she breathe out slowly.
Something about the way he looked at her made her uncomfortable.
Very uncomfortable.
Downstairs, the front door suddenly opened.
Evelyn walked in.
Her tired eyes scanned the living room before landing on her husband.
"Where's Stephanie?" she asked.
He glanced toward the stairs.
"Upstairs."
Evelyn didn't say anything else.
She simply walked toward the kitchen without another word.
Upstairs, Stephanie sat on the edge of her bed, staring at the closed door.
The house felt different lately.
Heavier.
And she couldn't shake the feeling that something bad was slowly approaching.
More chapters coming soon… stay with me ❤️
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