Noah tossed his sports bag near the front entrance and called for his mother.
There was no answer.
That wasn't completely unusual.
Grace often took business calls or worked in her office.
Still, something felt wrong.
The house seemed unnaturally silent.
Then he heard a noise.
A heavy thud echoed from the main staircase.
Noah immediately ran toward the sound.
The moment he reached the hallway, his entire world stopped.
His mother was lying motionless at the bottom of the marble stairs.
A dark stain spread across the front of her cream-colored dress.
"Mom!"
His voice cracked.
He sprinted toward her.
Dropping to his knees, Noah grabbed her shoulder.
Her skin felt cold.
Her breathing was shallow.
Tears instantly filled his eyes.
"Mom, wake up! Please wake up, Mom!"
He shook her gently.
Nothing.
The fear became overwhelming.
Noah had never felt so helpless.
His heart pounded so loudly that he could barely hear anything else.
For several terrifying moments, he remained there crying beside her, desperately hoping she would open her eyes.
Then another sound interrupted the silence.
Footsteps.
Heavy footsteps.
Slowly approaching from somewhere behind him.
Noah turned around.
And immediately wished he hadn't.