Amelia moved carefully down the shadowy hallway, her phone raised in front of her to cast a faint beam of light. The glow bounced across the polished floorboards, catching faint reflections on the walls and framed photographs that lined them. Her heart beat faster than it should have, but she forced her steps to remain steady. She stopped in front of her grandfather's room and tapped lightly on the door. The sound was small, almost delicate, as if she feared disturbing the calm that lay beyond.
The door opened almost instantly, revealing Jarel. He looked as if he had been waiting there already, as though he had somehow sensed her approach. His eyes were calm, but his presence carried the same quiet readiness that always comforted her.
"Everything is completely dark," Amelia whispered, lowering her voice so as not to wake Jacob. "I think I am going to take the children next door. How is Grandfather doing?"
