Fresh Cookies

There was only one rule: don’t open the door.

Creak…

A subtle waft of fresh baked cookies permeated the hallway. It was weirdly nostalgic. Only thing is, Natalie couldn’t remember her mother ever baking.

It looked like her house; the tired wallpaper, the browning white carpet. Even the family photo hung on the wall. It was all the same, except… her mother was a neat freak that would never allow the house to reach this state. She would certainly not let the family photo get this dusty. Natalie could barely make out their smiling faces.

She continued on, careful to avoid any loose floorboards. She could hear clicking and clacking from the kitchen. It’s the only room with lights on.

As she edged closer to the kitchen door, she extended a hand and grabbed the frame. She could feel the door hinges on the tip of her fingers. They were cold. Colder than anything she’d touched before.

She pushed her head past the frame, carefully. Finally, she could see into the kitchen. There was a woman there. Natalie didn’t recognise the clothes, but it had to be her mother, right? Who else would it be?

She wanted to get closer. She needed to see properly.

Squeak…

Her mother stopped. Natalie was sure she avoided all the loose floorboards, but one still squeaked.

Her mother slowly turned around and looked at Natalie. She tilted her head sympathetically and asked “Did I wake you, dear?”

But, how did she speak? She had no eyes, nose, or a mouth. It was a completely smooth face.

***

“Sedate her quick!” Natalie was held down promptly and given a sedative.

“Looks like curiosity is a more dominant drive than we thought. Increase the dose, and put her back under.”