The man stumbled through the front door, still wearing his coat and shoes, his breath quick as if chased

When Emily tugged the cord tied around the sack, the fabric loosened slowly, rustling softly.

Youve grown so ugly, youre bound to have a daughter, my mother-in-law would say to me. Whenever others

As Mum and I walked back from the market, I spotted it first. It wasnt curled beneath the bench like

*”I see youdont hide. What are you doing in our stairwell?”* The cat glanced up guiltily

The boss wanted to help the cleaner with money but found something unexpected in her handbag.

Martha Wilson headed to work earlier than usual. On weekends, the kids always left a mess, so she arrived at 4 a.

**Diary Entry** I still remember the day Dad left. Six-year-old Toby clung to his leg, sobbing. “

**Unwelcome Guests** The phone jolted Valerie awake at five in the morning. An unknown number flashed

James shoved open the front door, letting the cold gloom of early dusk seep into the dimly lit hallway.