It’s solid. No cracks that I see.
He’ll like that.
The basement opens up slightly toward the back with enough room for storage. I can imagine boxes and totes neatly organized down here.
My light sweeps up, checking out the narrow, wooden stairs. They creak faintly as I test the first step. Not ideal. But fixable.
I move slowly, deliberately, mapping the space as I go.
I climb the stairs, pushing the door open just enough to slip through.
The main floor is still and quiet.
My flashlight glides across the walls, the empty rooms, the faint outlines where furniture used to sit.
The kitchen is small but functional.
Drew will love fixing it.
I move through the living room, keeping the light low. I pause near the front window. It’s dirty.
I step closer, dragging my finger through the dust and grime—a small heart taking shape beneath my touch. It’s just large enough to be noticed by him.
The streetlight outside casts a soft glow through the glass, illuminating the particles in the air. It’s quiet. Peaceful.
My chest tightens again, but this time it’s different.
This could work.
I move down the short hallway, pushing open the first door, revealing a decent-sized bathroom.
The second door reveals the master bedroom.
I slowly step inside.
My flashlight drifts across the walls, the floor, and the ceiling.
The closet is bigger than I expected. I’m already deciding which side will be mine.
My gaze moves to the window. It has potential. A lot of it.
I turn around and step out, silently closing the door behind me.
My fingers brush lightly against the wall as I turn, taking in the room again from a different angle.
I nod. It passes my inspection.
I step back into the hallway, flicking my light off for a moment, letting the darkness settle around me. I soak in the quiet, letting my eyes adjust.
This is perfect.
I reach out, adjusting one of the crooked vent covers along the wall, straightening it without thinking.
That’s better.
Then I head back the way I came, retracing my steps carefully. Down the stairs. Across the basement. Through the bulkhead door.
The night air greets me again, cool and sharp.
