Alina was still holding Tatiana tightly on the couch when she suddenly froze.
The two girls had remained in that position for a while after the news broadcast. Tatiana's crying had slowed into occasional sniffles while Alina gently rubbed circles on her back. The television was still on, reporters discussing the scandal that had just erupted across the country. Experts were arguing over how long Governor Vladimir had hidden the truth while breaking news banners flashed across the screen nonstop.
Then Alina heard it.
A strange sound.
Creak.
Creak.
Thump.
Her brows furrowed.
Tatiana noticed immediately.
"What is it?"
Alina slowly lifted her head, her eyes drifting toward the direction of the backyard.
"I think…" she started before stopping herself.
There it was again.
Creak.
A dull sound followed by what sounded like something heavy shifting against wood.
The color slowly faded from Alina's face.
"Did you hear that?"
