I moved with a cautious grace toward the upper level of the home on the darkened oak stairs which creaked with every step that I took. I felt that I was working toward a goal that I really did not wish to have in my life. It was as if I was hesitant to even investigate this situation rather than ignoring everything and trying to live in blissful ignorance. I could not be sure, but I thought that my heart was being pulled into my stomach and I would not be able to recover from this dread that was heavy upon my chest. Each step toward the final landing was ever more painful as I could feel the dread intensify. After what seemed like an eternity, I finally reached the doorway to the guest bedroom. The door had been opened and seemed to be moving back and forth slightly as I stared toward it.
