The last stair screams as I step on it, the sound sending a shiver up my spine. I hated the basement with everything I had, and that was a lot. It was so, dark and would always make the weirdest and scariest noises. But of course tonight mom needed the flashlight. Ironic it was in such a dark place like this.

I make steady steps in the darkness, my ankle banging on some wooden thing and my arm h...

My brother Hamish slaps his hand over my mouth, a terrified look in his eyes that scared me just as well. Hamish never got scared, ever. Even when Papa chased us down with his switch or a gun was pointed straight at his heart.

“Is the front door locked?” He whispers to me, holding me closer to him as if at any point someone could take me.

“The door is locked,” I confirm in my own whisper, and h...