Chapter 1: On a Gravel Road to an old Farmhouse on an old Farm.
In the cozy confines of a red 4-door Toyota Camry, Kelly Miller sat in the front passenger seat beside her mother, Carole Miller. Sixteen-year-old Kelly, with her 5'6 stature, shoulder-length brunette hair, and light brown eyes, exuded youthful energy. Meanwhile, Carole, at the age of 45 and standing 5'7 tall, possessed shoulder-length brown hair and captivating hazel eyes. Their home nestled in Salem, a quaint town with stories to tell. Carole found solace as a Librarian at the Salem Public Library, a profession she ventured into after the tragic loss of her husband in a car accident. The funeral and burial were somber affairs, leading Carole to uphold her family by working hard to provide for herself and Kelly. Kelly, a bright presence at Salem High School, held leadership roles as the cheerleading squad captain and a multi-sport athlete in basketball, volleyball, and rugby. Besides excelling in athletics, she showcased her talents in gymnastics and musical inclinations by playing the Clarinet in the High School Marching Band. On this radiant day with a clear blue sky, the duo embarked on a journey along a gravel road. Their destination: a farm where they aimed to restore an old farmhouse that once belonged to Carole's late grandparents. Kelly adored her mother dearly, while Carole held deep affection for her daughter as well. An hour later, they reached the farm where Carole skillfully parked the car in front of a weathered barbed-wire fence enclosing the vast land. As the car came to a stop, they stepped out and positioned themselves before the vintage farmhouse, mere feet away, gazing at its weathered charm.
"Oh, I have a treasure trove of memories from my childhood. I recall the thrill of visiting my grandparents as a young girl. The mere thought of my grandmother and grandfather eagerly anticipating my arrival, standing on the weathered front porch, fills my heart with warmth. Their faces would light up with joy upon seeing me bounding towards them. The air filled with excitement as I embraced them tightly, feeling their sincere affection in return. A whole world of nostalgia would unveil itself as we stepped inside their quaint farmhouse," Carole reminisced, exhaling a wistful sigh.
Kelly gazed at her mom, while Carole's eyes remained fixed on the weathered Farmhouse. A smile crept onto Carole's face as she admired the old building. Unaware of the hidden presence inside the rustic farmhouse, Carole found herself under the intense gaze of a mysterious figure peering out from the weathered upstairs window with hypnotic eyes. Suddenly, Carole noticed a mysterious presence observing her. She released Kelly's hand and advanced towards the weathered metal gate that stood within the aging barbed-wire fence. With a creak, she pushed the gate open and proceeded along the path, her feet creating a rhythm on the front porch steps. Kelly, in the distance, began to sense her mother moving further away.
Kelly's voice trembled as she asked, "Mom, where are you going, Mom?" However, her mother remained silent, offering no response.
As Kelly watched her mom drift further away, Carole gracefully traversed the timeworn wooden front porch steps. With each step across the creaking porch, she drew closer to the ancient screen door. Carole slowly pushed it open, revealing the weathered wooden front door. Suddenly, Kelly sprang into action, dashing after her mother. She glimpsed her mother disappearing through the doorway just as the door softly shut behind her.
Struggling to open it, Kelly was met with resistance - the weathered wooden door refusing to budge. Concern gnawed at her as thoughts of her mom being alone in the old farmhouse plagued her mind. She anxiously hoped that her mom, Carole, was safe and sound, wishing for nothing ill to befall her.
