The grand estate loomed under the dark sky, its gothic manor casting long shadows over the grounds.
A young boy held tightly onto his small leather ball, struggling as he climbed the narrow, winding staircase.
He finally reached a long hallway that stretched out, seemingly endless in its shadowy expanse.
Pushing open door after door, the boy wandered, his footsteps echoing through the empty corridor. At last, he reached the room at the far end and saw the figure he was looking for.
"Mommy," he whispered, standing in the doorway, his small voice hopeful as he clutched his little ball to his chest.
The woman by the window slowly turned to face him. She wore a loose robe, her face strikingly beautiful, but filled with sadness.
She walked towards him in slow, deliberate steps. Without wa
