We had waited three long years for this moment, enduring hardships and challenges to finally be together.

At ten o’clock, I thought he would be back in a few minutes. But the clock struck eleven. Then eleven-thirty. Still no sign of him. My unease grew into a knot of fear and doubt.

I finally opened the door quietly, without turning on the light.

The Strange Noises

The hallway was dim, except for a faint yellow glow slipping out from under Elena’s door — my mother-in-law’s room.

I told myself he was probably just checking on her. But as I turned to leave, I heard it: soft, muffled noises. Not the groans of illness. Not words of casual conversation. Something else.

My breath quickened. My heart pounded. Fear and curiosity pulled me closer.

Step by cautious step, I approached the door. It was slightly ajar