Scarlett walked closer to the shadow, her heart hammering against her ribs. As she approached, she realized it was merely a trick of the light—shadows cast by the curtains dancing in the afternoon breeze. She exhaled shakily, trying to calm her racing pulse.
"Mom?" she called out again, louder this time. "Are you home?"
A sudden movement from the kitchen doorway made Scarlett jump and let out a piercing scream. Her mother stood there, looking startled by her daughter's reaction.
"Sweetheart, what's wrong?" her mom asked, concern etched across her tired features. She wiped her hands on a dishcloth, dark circles prominent beneath her usually bright eyes.
Scarlett pressed a hand to her chest, willing her heartbeat to slow. "Nothing. Just... my nerves, I guess. You scared me." She studied
