Writing

The Wrong Package — Part 5: The House

Daniel, Marcus, and Evelyn arrived at the old house just before sunset.

Daniel held the three keys tightly.

“This place feels wrong,” Marcus whispered.

Evelyn pointed toward the front door.

“Your father is inside.”

Daniel opened the door.

The house was empty.

Then they heard footsteps upstairs.

Daniel looked at Evelyn.

“You said he was here.”

“He is.”

They climbed the stairs slowly.

At the end of the hallway was a locked door.

Daniel tried the first key.

Click.

The door opened.

Inside was a small room filled with photographs—photographs of Daniel from different stages of his life.

School.

Graduation.

His first job.

Even photographs taken only weeks ago.

Daniel stepped back.

“Someone has been watching me.”

Then a voice came from behind them.

“You're finally here.”

Daniel turned.

A man stood in the doorway.

Older.

Tired.

But unmistakable.

Daniel's heart stopped.

“Dad?”

The man smiled.

“Yes, son.”

Before Daniel could say another word, the door slammed shut behind them.

And somewhere downstairs, a phone began to ring.

To be continued…