-chapter 1 1
My mind is reeling as I stare into my sister's eyes. Eyes that I thought I'd never see again. Eyes that are supposed to be closed, forever. But here she is, sitting beside me, holding my hand, and whispering softly in my ear. I try to speak, but my voice is caught in my throat. I try to move, but my body feels heavy, like it's been weighed down by a ton of bricks. My sister's face is pale, her skin almost translucent. Her hair is longer than I remember, and her eyes seem to hold a deep sadness. But it's her. It's really her. I feel a wave of emotions wash over me - shock, confusion, fear. How is this possible? I saw her die. I held her in my arms as she took her last breath. I buried her. I mourned her. And yet, here she is. Alive. Or is she? I look closer, searching for any sign that this is some kind of trick, some kind of illusion. But her eyes seem real, her touch seems real. I feel a tear roll down my cheek as I reach out to touch her face. It's warm, it's soft. It's my sister. "How?" I whisper, my voice barely audible. My sister's eyes fill with tears as she looks at me. "I'm sorry," she says, her voice trembling. "I'm so sorry I didn't tell you." Tell me what? I want to ask, but before I can, she glances around the room nervously. We're in some kind of abandoned warehouse, the walls cracked and crumbling. The only light comes from a small window high above us, casting a faint glow over the space. My sister's eyes lock onto mine, and I see a fear there that makes my heart skip a beat. "We have to get out of here," she says, her voice low and urgent. "Now." I try to stand, but my legs feel like jelly. My sister grabs my arm, pulling me up. I stumble, and she catches me, holding me close. "I've got you," she says. "I've got you." But as we turn to make our way out of the warehouse, I hear a noise behind us. Footsteps. Heavy, deliberate footsteps. My sister's eyes lock onto mine, and I see a warning there. "Run," she whispers. And then, just as we're about to make a move, the lights go out, plunging us into darkness. I feel my sister's grip on my arm tighten, and I hear her whisper one word in my ear. "Hide." But it's too late. I hear the footsteps stop right behind us. And then, a voice. A voice that makes my blood run cold. "Welcome home," it says.