When Aaron left for a weeklong work trip, I never expected his absence would spark a series of eerie events—and ultimately reveal a heartfelt surprise.
Unsettling Noises
It started innocently enough: occasional thuds from the attic. At first, I dismissed them as the usual quirks of an old house. But soon, the noises escalated. Thuds turned into whispers, then into heavy, deliberate footsteps. Alone in our suburban home, my imagination spiraled into terrifying scenarios.
Late one night, after hearing a low, guttural moan, I reached out to Aaron, texting him in a panic:
I think there’s something in the attic.
His reply was immediate but frustratingly dismissive:
Ella, it’s probably nothing. I’ll check when I’m back.
But when the noises didn’t stop, I couldn’t wait any longer. Armed with a baseball bat and a mix of fear and determination, I decided to investigate. Aaron’s reply to my update stopped me in my tracks:
Ella, please don’t go up there. Wait for me.
Why was he so adamant? What was he hiding?
The Discovery
Ignoring his warning, I climbed the creaky attic stairs, gripping the bat tightly. My heart raced as I pushed open the door—and there she was.
My mother-in-law, Diane, stood in the middle of the room, holding a paintbrush and looking utterly startled.
“Diane? What are you doing here?” I demanded, my voice a mix of shock and confusion.
“Ella, calm down!” she exclaimed, flushing with embarrassment. “It’s not what you think!”
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