Chapter 7 Always Ranked Second to Last

Maggie had another dream last night.

In the dream, it was pitch black, and she was being held by warm hands. A gentle woman's voice whispered in her ear.

"Maggie, stay here and don't come out, be good and listen to me."

"Don't make a sound, shh..."

In the dream, Maggie held her doll tightly, staring wide-eyed as she hid in the wardrobe. Through the narrow gap, she could vaguely see what was happening outside.

A man slowly approached, humming a nursery rhyme.

"One little, two little children,

"Three, four, five, little children,

"Playing hide-and-seek."

The voice of that fragmented song drew closer and closer, and Maggie felt her breathing quicken.

The closet door was grabbed by that man. It was about to open, and Maggie could almost see that man's face.

"Knock, knock, knock! Ms. Adams, Ms. Adams!"

There was a rapid knock on the door, and it woke Maggie up abruptly.