Why's your dad like that? Was he always so… cruel? I don't know... – Erich muttered, angry tears shining in his – I always knew he wasn't good, but I didn't know he was this bad. Doesn't matter What matters is…
…saving Mom and Grandma before he hurts them – Erich nodded. – Let's go!
Two small, sneaky shadows darted across the yard, heading for the main door. When the fear hit too hard, they'd reach for each other's hands and stand still, trading courage like candy. Erich, embarrassingly, needed this boost far more than the braver Nibi.
-I am a hero, - He told himself. -I'll save my whole family. I'll beat the monster.- He didn't think about how, or the fact that the monster was… his own father.
They got lucky—the door opened without a squeak. They slipped inside, leaving it ajar so it
wouldn't creak shut and give them away. By the door stood a little stool used for taking off shoes, and next to it—a shoehorn, which the brave knight now wielded like a broadsword.
Nibi trembled with silent laughter.
Big Er, are you going to fight him? Or just help him into his boots?
Got a better idea? What if he's in the kitchen?
And what if he's not? Let's check!
She led the way down the hall, leaving faint muddy prints on the spotless floor. Erich followed, brandishing the shoehorn like it was Excalibur. The kitchen was just around the corner. They peeked—and exhaled in unison.
Empty.
They split up like professionals and grabbed every knife they could find. Now armed to the teeth, they proudly showed off their collections in complete silence. It was still scary, after all...
The brave duo began their climb up the staircase—first to the Queen's chambers, then to the Empress' lair (Erich had decided that -Mom- and -Grandma- didn't sound heroic enough for a
rescue mission). They moved slowly. Only once did they screw up—when Nibi dropped a knife with a loud clink and dropped to the floor to grab it, heart in her throat.
They froze. Nothing but Grandma's murmuring from her room. Safe. They moved on.
Nibi reached the Queen's chamber first and tried the door. Locked. She dropped to her knees and pressed an ear to the bottom crack. Silence. Then—soft breathing.
Mom was sleeping.
Even with a killer in the house.
But it was a good sign. If Mom was okay, that was half the battle. Less to worry about. Less fear to carry.
Next—Grandma's room.
The kid adventurers cracked the door and saw the TV on low, casting a soft glow. On the bed lay a dark shape.
Probably But we should check. – Erich whispered.
Nibi flashed him an -okay- sign with her fingers, and they crept closer. Erich's heart pounded so hard he was sure the sound drowned out the late-night talk show on TV.
As they'd guessed, Grandma was asleep. She clutched her pillow like a teddy bear. On her nightstand: a mini-apothecary's worth of meds. One bottle teetered on the edge, slowly dripping. Nibi picked it up and read the label.
What's that? Her sleeping – Erich whispered into her ear. – But she hasn't taken those in forever. Why now? Hmm… Maybe someone gave it to her? – Nibi They exchanged a tense look. Near the meds, they noticed an old photo album—dusty, cracked, labeled Francesca N.
What's this?
I've never seen it
Let's take a peek?
No We've gotta find him. – Erich insisted.
Just one It looks ancient!