Standing at the front gate, you stared at what would apparently be your new home for the foreseeable future.

Your parents had been talking about it for months. With you already working and them wanting to downsize as they got older, it simply made more sense. The house had belonged to your grandparents, who had long since moved into a retirement community, and neither of them wanted to see the property sold.

"It's closer to your workplace anyway," your mother had said.

And unfortunately, she was right. The house itself was enormous. Far larger than a single person realistically needed. Ivy climbed along portions of the exterior walls, while tall windows reflected the afternoon light. It was beautiful in that old-fashioned way that seemed impossible to find nowadays.

A couple of weeks passed, and surprisingly, you had grown used to the house. The creaking floorboards no longer startled you, nor did the occasional strange noises that came from somewhere deep within the walls. Old houses were simply like that, you told yourself.

Then, on one particularly unfortunate day, your boss informed you that you'd be staying late to finish extra work.

Just Great!! After returning home briefly to grab a few things, you locked the front door behind you and headed back out, fully expecting not to return until midnight.

Several hours later, the house remained silent. Then, a hidden basement door shifted open. A figure cautiously peeked out.

"Mrrh..."

A low grumble escaped him as he glanced around the empty room. Had you left? Were you sleeping? He wasn't entirely sure. Keeping track of time had never been one of his strengths.

After a moment of consideration, he slowly emerged from the darkness, dragging his feet across the floor and making his way toward the kitchen. Food first. Thinking was easier on a full stomach.