As the cab ride came to an end, the three friends bid each other farewell, their faces still etched with the memories of their adventure in the cave. Alec and Maya got out of the cab first, waving goodbye as Clara continued on to her house.
The cab pulled up in front of Clara's house, and she paid the driver before stepping out onto the sidewalk. She stretched her arms over her head, feeling the weight of the day's events slowly lifting off her shoulders.
As she approached the front door, she noticed that it was slightly ajar. She pushed it open, calling out to her mother. "Mom, I'm home!"
There was no response.
Clara called again, taking steps into the sitting room. "Mom!! I'm home."
She could hear footsteps inside the room, and she felt relieved a bit. Her mind quickly drifted to th
