Chapter 9: Anxious Moments

Marielle heard a scuffling sound next.

“That sounds as if it’s coming from right above my head now,” she whispered. “It’s in the attic, alright.”

It felt as if a cold hand was gripping her heart.

“Why is everything else in the house so quiet then?” she asked as she looked up at the hallway ceiling. “Grandma, is that you up there?” she called nervously.

“You’re running late for school!” Ethel called from downstairs.

“Was that sound coming from downstairs then?” Marielle asked, shaking her head in total confusion. “Anyway, I am running late so it’s better to just get ready,” she told herself in a firm tone so that she could chase away her fears.

Marielle dried herself further with the towel and applied her body lotion hastily.

“There must be some kind of rodent in that attic,” she said as she combed her hair. She tried hard to focus on her own image in the mirror and not allow her mind to wander.