Alice felt a tightness in her throat. She swallowed, trying to quell the panic rising within her. Just then, an even more jarring crash came from outside, like something heavy slamming against the door.
"Arthur..." she called softly, her eyes fixed on the entrance.
Arthur patted her hand reassuringly. "I'll go see." He walked to the door, paused for a moment, then reached for the handle.
The room fell silent, as if even the wind had ceased, leaving only the sound of Alice's own anxious heartbeat. Every nerve in her body was taut, her mind racing with possibilities. What could have hit the door?
The door creaked open, and the fierce wind rushed in, making the curtains flutter wildly. Arthur peered out. A few minutes passed. He returned with a calm smile. "It's nothing, just a branch blo
