Chapter 4

After dinner, Douglas filled a plate with meatloaf, green beans, cold macaroni and cheese, and a huge slice of cherry pie. He disappeared down the hall to his room. He did not return to the kitchen.

Ethan washed the dishes and put them away. Doing the dishes was one of his chores.

He didn’t mind washing the dishes alone that night. If he left the kitchen, he would see the chain. And if he saw the chain, he might see the lady.

An hour later, Ethan cautiously crept to the kitchen door. He pushed the door open and peeked out of the small crack. He saw the chain, but the living room was empty.

Ethan walked slowly down the hall, like a waif who was afraid demon ghosts would find him and demand he set them free.

After an eternity, Ethan made it safely to his room. He closed his bedroom door and leaned against it with a sigh of relief. His room was as he’d left it. His bed was neatly made and the curtains were open.

He kicked off his shoes and crawled into bed. Outside his window, only the brightest stars twinkled and the moon was nearly full.

Ethan pulled the covers over his head, closed his eyes, and hoped the ghost lady would go away.

Late that night, he awoke to strange noises coming from his father’s room. Bumps and grunts. Slaps and screams.

There were more noises the next night, and the...