Chapter 5: The House of Lies

I couldn't stop looking over my shoulder.

The man in the black cap had disappeared, but the feeling of being watched refused to leave.

Even during class, I barely heard what the teacher was saying.

The photograph stayed hidden inside my bag.

It felt heavier than paper.

When the final bell rang, I hurried home.

The house was unusually quiet.

"Mum?" I called.

No answer.

I walked past the living room and froze.

The cupboard was open.

Old photo albums and dusty boxes were scattered across the floor.

Someone had been searching for something.

A voice behind me made me jump.

"What are you doing?"

I turned to see my mother standing in the doorway.

She looked terrified.

"I... I was looking for you."

Her eyes fell on the open cupboard.

Without saying a word, she rushed over and began shoving everything back inside.

"Mum..."

"Go to your room."

"Not until you tell me what's going on."

She stopped.

For a long moment, she didn't speak.

Then tears filled her eyes.

"I've spent three years trying to protect you."

"Protect me from what?"

She opened her mouth to answer.

Before a single word came out...

A loud knock echoed through the house.

Three slow knocks.

Then silence.

My mother turned pale.

"No," she whispered.

"They've found us."

She grabbed my wrist.

"Whatever happens next, don't open that door."

Another knock.

This time...

It was louder.