Morning didn't make things better.If anything—It made them stranger.
The sunlight filtered through the windows, warm and soft, but the unease from the night before hadn't disappeared.
Isabella stepped outside, stretching slightly."Okay," she said.
"New day. Fresh start."She forced a smile.As she walked through the village, people greeted her politely.
"Good morning, Isabella."
"You're back."
"It's been a long time."
But every interaction felt… rehearsed.
Their smiles lingered too long As she walked through the village, people greeted her politely..She stopped near the small store again.
Auntie Lina was there, arranging items on a shelf."Good morning," Isabella said.
The woman looked up."Oh—Isabella. You're up early."
"Couldn't sleep much," she admitted.
"It's been a while since I've been here."Auntie Lina nodded.
"Yes… it has."Isabella leaned slightly on the counter.
"Has anything changed?" she asked casually.The woman hesitated.
"Changed?"
"Yeah," Isabella said.
"The place feels… different."Auntie Lina went still.Then she laughed lightly.
"It's the same as always," she said. "Maybe you're just not used to the quiet anymore."
"Maybe," Isabella said.
But she didn't believe itAs she turned to leave, she heard it.A whisper.Not close.Not far.Just—There."…the house…"She froze.Turning slowly, she looked around.
"Did you say something?" she asked.Auntie Lina shook her head immediately.
"No."Too quickly.
"What house?" Isabella asked.The question slipped out before she could stop herself.
The air changed.Subtly.But noticeably.Auntie Lina's expression turned stern.
"You shouldn't ask about that," she whispered.
"Why not?" Isabella inquired, her curiosity piqued.
The woman glanced around nervously, ensuring they were alone. Then, she leaned in closer. "Some things are better left alone," she whispered softly.Isabella's frown deepened.
"That doesn't answer anything," she said, her voice tinged with frustration.
"It's not supposed to," Auntie Lina replied, her tone firm.Isabella took a step back, her eyes narrowing.
"Okay..." she said slowly.
"That's not suspicious at all." But the woman's serious demeanor didn't invite laughter.As Isabella walked away, a nagging feeling lingered. The whisper, the tension, and the collective avoidance of the topic all left an unsettling impression.
"There is a house," she muttered to herself, "And they don't want me to find it."
This realization only intensified her determination to uncover the truth.