Chapter 31

He glared at Ivan, who was focused on his phone. Noah’s arms were folded, his eyes narrowed and teeth clenched as he looked at Ivan. 16

The wind made the tree limbs creak. Leaves came off and scratched the window. I lay in bed and couldn’t go back to sleep. I heard music, Beethoven’s “Fur Elise,” my grandmother’s favorite but I knew she wasn’t alive to play it. Then my grandma’s cuckoo clock chimed in the background.

I thought that was broken?

I walked out into the hallway. Apple pie smell wafted around the house but no one was in the kitchen. My bare feet felt the cool tile. I took some milk from the refrigerator and poured. It smelled rancid.

I heard a tap at the window near the door. It must be after midnight. I walked up to the window. No one there.

Hmmm. Must be rain

Then I heard a soft tap on the door. I froze. Chel was with Elena tonight. I was alone.

No, I must be imagining someone because it was quiet now.