Chapter 6 — Rounding the Corner
Samantha paused her steps near the doorway of the pantry.
The smacking sound came again.
It was a rhythmic, unmistakable noise.
It was the sound of someone—or something—eating.
Clara followed closely behind Samantha, her footsteps heavy and impatient on the floorboards.
What are we even listening for now? Clara demanded, stepping into the hallway space.
More frosting smears appeared on the baseboards along the hallway.
They were thick, pink streaks smeared low against the white painted wood.
They were far too low to the ground for a child to have made them while standing.
Samantha reached out and pointed silently at the baseboard.
Clara stopped talking.
Her eyes followed the line of the white wood down to the floor.
The smears were fresh.
They glistened under the dim light of the hallway sconces.
Samantha rounded the corner with cautious steps while Clara followed closely behind in confusion.
The sugary scent grew much stronger in this part of the house.
It mixed with the familiar smell of dog fur and warm carpet.
Samantha took another quiet step forward.
She peered around the edge of the hallway wall.
A flash of golden fur came into view right beside the pantry door.