March 1985
It was a bleak and tumultuous evening, with lightning illuminating the sky and thunder reverberating in the distance. Heavy rain poured down, echoing throughout the area, while the wind howled fiercely.
The severe weather had resulted in a thick fog that enveloped the streets, significantly impairing visibility for both drivers and pedestrians alike.
Nevertheless, Hazel and Miguel remained steadfast as they made their way to Grace Green's residence for their scheduled meeting.
This appointment held great significance for them; no amount of inclement weather would deter their resolve.
Miguel adeptly navigated the storm, while Hazel focused on locating Grace's home.
As they drove, tension filled the car, exacerbated by the limited visibility created by the darkness and the fog.
The only light came from the car's headlights and a faintly illuminated path emerging from the mist.
Ultimately, just before nine o'clock, Hazel and Miguel arrived at their destination.
Miguel parked alongside the curb and turned off the engine.
They then turned to the back seat to retrieve their umbrellas, pulling their coats tightly around their necks before stepping out of the vehicle.
Struggling against the strong gusts of wind, they stood on the slick sidewalk, eyes wide with apprehension.
With a clearer view of Grace's house, they were taken aback by the peculiar decorations reminiscent of Halloween that surrounded it.
A baby doll perched on a metal pole in the garden, and a cow skull weather vane twirled violently atop the roof.
The atmosphere felt unsettling, sending a chill down their spines.
Yet, they were resolute in their intent to proceed, despite their unease.
With a weighted heart, Miguel called out, "Are you ready?" raising his voice above the wind and rain.
"Yes, I am!" Hazel shouted back, matching his volume.
"Let's go. The conditions are worsening!" Miguel replied as he stepped forward.
Hazel followed closely behind.
They carefully made their way toward Grace's house, mindful of their footing to avoid slipping on the wet grass.
Upon reaching the veranda, they closed their umbrellas, and Miguel pressed the doorbell.
A moment later, the door creaked open partway, revealing Grace in a pink floral dress that fell to her knees. Her short, curly gray hair framed her face, and she held a polished brown cane in her right hand, her back slightly hunched.
She regarded Hazel and Miguel with a frown.
"Good evening, ma'am," Miguel greeted her, stepping closer to the door and offering their introductions. "I'm Miguel Patterson, and this is my wife, Hazel Patterson. We have an appointment with Grace Green. Is that you?"
"I am Grace Green," she confirmed with a fleeting smile that quickly vanished as she added, "I know who you are, but you're late."
Hazel and Miguel sensed the disappointment in her tone.
Hazel approached the door apprehensively, sincerely apologizing, "We apologize for our tardiness, ma'am. My husband and I lost our way due to the severe weather. Please forgive us."
Grace detected the sincerity in Hazel's voice, and her expression softened with empathy.
Feeling regretful about sending them away after their efforts to reach her home, she sighed, "Alright! I understand you."
"Thank you very much, ma'am," Hazel replied, relief evident in her voice.
"First, please place your umbrellas in that blue bucket," Grace instructed, pointing to a blue receptacle near a flower pot.
They promptly followed Grace's instructions and redirected their attention back to her.
"Just a moment," Grace said, closing the door and unfastening the latch. She opened it wide, welcoming them inside. "You may enter now."
Hazel and Miguel expressed their gratitude as they stepped inside, with Grace closing and locking the door behind them.
Standing on a green carpet in the foyer, Hazel and Miguel were surprised to discover that the interior was even more disquieting than the exterior.
The house was cluttered with unusual figurines and peculiar items encased in jars, including eyeballs, teeth, and insects. Various demon masks and photographs adorned the walls.
All of these items were coated in layers of dust and cobwebs, suggesting they had not been disturbed in years.
"Follow me," Grace instructed as she passed by them. Her firm voice cut through the uneasy silence.
Hazel and Miguel trailed behind her, their eyes continuing to scan the surroundings.
Grace led them into the living room, stepped aside, and gestured toward several sofas. "Please, have a seat."
Hazel and Miguel settled next to each other on a two-seater sofa.
"Would you like something to drink?" Grace inquired, standing in the center of the living room. "Such as water, juice, or coffee?"
"A glass of water would be great," Miguel replied.
"Same here," Hazel added.
"Two glasses of water coming right up," Grace said cheerfully as she departed for the kitchen.
"This is the eeriest house I've ever encountered," Hazel whispered nervously once Grace was out of sight.
"I was just thinking the same thing," Miguel replied in a hushed tone. "Those figurines and jars are genuinely unsettling; I'm getting goosebumps just looking at them."
"Do you think we made the right decision by coming here?" Hazel asked, her voice laced with anxiety.
Miguel looked taken aback by her question. "Why do you say that?" he inquired, frowning in confusion.
Hazel shrugged and replied, "I don't know... I just have this nagging feeling that something dreadful is going to happen if we go through with this. It's making me quite uncomfortable and apprehensive."
He gently nudged her shoulder. "Oh, come on, don't be ridiculous." Taking hold of her hands, he attempted to reassure her, "Nothing bad will happen to us. It's just anxiety speaking right now. We just need to trust Grace. Remember, she is our last hope."
"I know that," Hazel replied, pulling her hands away from his grip. She sighed nervously before adding, "But I really can't shake this foreboding sensation right now."
Miguel intended to comfort her once more, but they soon began to hear the rhythmic tapping of Grace's cane approaching the living room.
Instead, he quickly whispered, "Shh! She's coming. We don't want her to overhear us discussing this."
Hazel and Miguel sat silently on the sofa, awaiting Grace's return.