The silence stretched, broken only by the faint hum of the city outside. Melinda’s gaze remained fixed on the door, her brow furrowed in concentration. Zoe’s heart pounded in her ears, her body rigid beneath Melinda’s touch.

Then, just as suddenly as it had begun, the tension dissolved. A soft thud echoed from the hallway, followed by the sound of retreating footsteps. Melinda’s shoulders relaxed, She tiptoed to the entryway, easing the door open a crack. A small box sat on the mat, ...