I didn't like the way the storm started. It was too fast. One second the sky was normal, and the next it turned dark like night. The rain didn't come slowly. It just started all at once, hitting the windows hard.
I stood near the hallway window and looked outside again. The courtyard was empty now. But I was sure I saw someone there before. Maybe I was wrong.
"Go to your room," Mother Superior said behind me.
I turned quickly. I didn't even hear her come. "Yes," I said, but I didn't move. I looked once more at the courtyard. Nothing.
That night, I couldn't sleep. The thunder was too loud. It felt like it was right above the building. Every time lightning flashed, the room lit up for a second and then went dark again.
I sat up and looked at the door. I don't know why, but I kept thinking about the basement. The way it felt when I passed it… it wasn't normal. It felt like something was there.
After some time, I got up. I told myself I was just going to get some water. That's it. Nothing else.
The hallway was quiet. Too quiet. All the girls were in their rooms. No sound. Just the storm outside.
I walked slowly. When I reached the stairs, I stopped. The basement door was at the end. Closed. But this time… there was light under it.
My heart started beating faster. Someone was inside. At this time?
I moved closer, step by step. The closer I got, the colder it felt. I stood in front of the door. For a second, I thought about going back. But I didn't.
I leaned a little and tried to listen. At first, I heard nothing. Then… something. Not clear words, but not random either. It was like someone was speaking slowly.
I stepped back. That didn't sound right.
Suddenly—the sound stopped.
I froze.
Then the door handle moved. Very slowly.
I quickly stepped away and looked down, pretending I was just passing by. The door opened. I didn't look directly, but I saw from the corner of my eye.
The priest.
He stepped out calmly, like nothing was wrong.
"Couldn't sleep?" he asked.
"Yes… the storm," I said.
He looked at me for a moment. Not angry. Not surprised. Just… looking.
Then he smiled a little. "You should rest. Nights like this are not meant for wandering."
I nodded. "Okay."
He walked past me. Slow steps. No sound.
After a few seconds, I turned. He was already gone.
I looked back at the basement door. It was still open a little. The light inside was gone.
I don't know why, but I felt like if I looked inside… something would look back.
I didn't check. I just went back.
But that night, I knew one thing.
Something was not right in this place. And the basement… was not just a basement.
End of Chapter 2