The Visitor

There was only one rule: never answer the door after dark.

“Lucy, open the door. It’s me, Dad.”

Mum had drilled it into her head: If it’s dark, don’t open up.

THUD! The door shakes as he pounds on it.

“Come on, pumpkin! I’m not mad anymore!”

Lucy glances at the clock—midnight. Dad’s been gone for two years.

Outside, shadows flicker. Her heart races.

“Lucy! Please! I just want to see you.”

A siren wails in the distance, growing closer.

“Lucy, it’s really important! Open the door!”

The doorframe creaks under another blow.

The police burst in, shouting, “Stay back!”

A woman kneels beside her. “Lucy, you’re safe. Can you tell me where your mum is?”

But the basement door is still locked, and Lucy knows Mum told her to never let anyone in.