Cavin dashed ahead, his toy airplane slicing the air, laughter echoing through the empty front yard. Behind him, Alisa trudged up the driveway, arms weighed down with bags and frustration.

  “Cavin, slow down!” she called, her voice cracking from exhaustion. The sun dipped low behind the trees, and the isolation of the bungalow pressed against her chest like a silent warning.

  Cavin stopped a few steps ahead and turned toward her, holding his toy airplane high.

  “Okay, Mom! I’m not moving!” he yelled, though his eyes sparkled with curiosity. He couldn’t wait to explore their new home.

  Alisa sighed and continued hauling the last of their belongings onto the front porch. The bungalow stood quietly, surrounded by stillness. There were no neighbors in sight, only the soft whisper of wind through the trees. She was used to doing everything on her own. No one was coming to help — and Cavin, only eight, could barely carry his own backpack.

  She walked into the kitchen and paused. The room was a mess. Dust coated the counters, and spider webs clung to the corners like forgotten memories. With a tired sigh, she stepped back onto the veranda where she had left their things. Among the bags, she found the plastic water jar and filled two empty bottles she had brought along.

  “See? I told you bringing water wasn’t a bad idea,” she muttered, half to herself. She offered one bottle to Cavin, holding it to his lips. He hadn’t asked for water — too busy scanning every corner of the porch — but she knew he was thirsty.

  She stepped outside and pulled out her phone, dialing quickly. When the call connected, her voice came out sharper than she intended.

  “Bella, where are you? You know how hard it is to move everything alone and look after Cavin at the same time. It's getting dark, and I need you here. Now.”

  On the other end, Bella groaned. “Sorry, you know how it is. I’m basically a slave at work, day and night. I asked my boss, but…”

  “Please,” Alisa cut in, her voice heavy now — not raised but weighed down. “After Ricky left, I managed all of this because of you. I don’t have anyone else. So yes, I’ll shout if I have to. Just… come quickly.”

  She hung up without waiting for a response and went back into the hall. Cavin was sitting silently on a couch, his toy airplane resting on his lap. His posture was slumped, and his expression distant, as if the weight of change had finally touched him too.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  She felt a pang of guilt — he was only eight, yet he was being pulled into a life of uncertainty. She walked over and noticed the thick layer of dust where he sat. She opened her mouth to scold him gently, but then said nothing. Instead, she lowered herself beside him, ignoring the grime. She was too tired to care.

  The silence in the hall pressed in on her like a dense fog. She glanced toward the hallway that led to the kitchen, and for a moment, it felt like something — someone — was watching from the end. A chill crept up her spine. She liked the house, yes, but the silence was beginning to feel… wrong.

  “Hello? Is anyone here?” a voice called from outside.

  Startled, Alisa stood and stepped onto the porch. An old man, perhaps in his seventies, was standing by the gate.

  “Hi,” he said with a warm, weathered smile. “I’m Tambi. I live nearby. I just noticed your van. It took me a while to realize someone moved in. This is an old town. The trees are dense, and houses are far apart. It’s not easy to notice things or get help around here. Thought I’d stop by and see if you needed anything.”

  Alisa blinked at him — surprised by the sudden appearance but oddly comforted. It had been a long time since anyone had shown up just to be kind. Still, she felt awkward asking for help.

  “Thanks, that’s kind of you. My sister’s on the way. I’m waiting for her. But I appreciate it. That’s your house, right? The one with the lantern burning outside?”

  Tambi nodded and leaned slightly to peek through the doorway. Alisa stiffened.

  “What?” she asked, a touch of suspicion in her voice.

  “Oh, sorry,” he said, pulling back. “It’s just… strange seeing the inside again. No one’s lived here for four years.”

  He paused, then glanced toward the living room. “Is that your son?”

  “Yes,” Alisa replied. “That’s Cavin. He’s only eight, but already too smart for his age.”

  Tambi smiled faintly. “And your husband?”

  Alisa hesitated. “I’m a single mother. Lost my last job… but I found work here. I teach math.”

  “I see.” Tambi’s face softened. “Well, let me know if you need anything. My wife’s sick, so I need to get back — it’s time for her medicine. Take care. I’ll see you around.”

  He gave a small wave and disappeared down the path.

  As the sun dipped below the treetops, darkness fell quickly — thicker and heavier than Alisa had expected. She hugged herself against the chill and turned just in time to see headlights in the distance. Relief washed over her as Bella’s car pulled into the driveway.

  Bella stepped out, wide-eyed. “Jesus. This place looked cozy in the photos, but now? It’s straight-up creepy after sunset.”

  She walked up the steps, brushing her jacket off. “Let’s get the power on and start setting your stuff up. This house needs some life in it.”

  Alisa smiled for the first time in hours. Bella’s energy had always been contagious — and right now, it felt like a lifeline.