Chapter 17: The First Clue

Noah left Grace Chapel with his mind spinning. His dad had been searching for something—a truth hidden beneath the surface of their quiet little town. And now, it was up to him to figure out what it was.

The air was cool as he walked home, the sky turning shades of purple and orange. His fingers tightened around the letter in his pocket, his heart pounding. He needed to start somewhere.

And that somewhere was his dad's old things.

That night, after Grandma Ellen had gone to bed, Noah quietly slipped into the attic. The wooden floor creaked under his weight as he switched on the dim overhead light. Dust floated in the air, making him cough as he stepped forward.

Boxes. Lots of them.

Most were filled with random household items, but one box near the corner caught his attention. It had his dad's name written on the side in faded black marker.

His chest tightened.

Slowly, he knelt down and pried the lid open. Inside were a few old books, some photos, and a leather-bound journal. His breath hitched as he carefully pulled out the journal and flipped through the pages.

Most of it was filled with scriptures, prayers, and thoughts about faith. But one entry stood out—dated just a few days before his parents' accident.

"The hidden light is near. I feel like I'm getting closer, but I don't think I'm supposed to find it alone. Lord, if something happens, guide Noah to the truth."

Noah's pulse spiked. His father knew something. But what was he looking for?

At the bottom of the page, a single word was underlined: "Haven."

Noah's brows furrowed. Haven? Was it a place? A person? A message?

Whatever it was, his father had left this for him to find.

And now, there was no turning back.