The street was silent as you both approached the house. The same house where it had all begun—the place Maya had barely escaped from months ago. The wind rattled the old windows, and the shadows of the trees stretched like twisted fingers across the cracked pavement.

Maya’s hands were shaking, and you reached for hers instinctively. “Are you sure about this?” you asked softly.

She swallowed hard, nodding. “I don’t have a choice. It’s the only way to get it back.” Her voice was steady, but you could see the terror lurking in her eyes.

You both paused at the front door. The memories were overwhelming for her: the screams, the masks, the feeling of being hunted. She took a deep breath and pushed the door open. The hinges creaked like a warning, and the stale air inside hit you both like a wall.

“I hate this place,” Maya muttered, gripping your arm. “Every corner… every shadow… it’s like they’re still here.”

“I’ve got you,” you said, your voice firm. “We’ll do this together. Nothing’s getting to you while I’m here.”

Step by step, you moved through the house. Every floorboard groaned underfoot, every gust of wind rattling the windows made your heart jump. Maya clutched a small flashlight, its weak beam barely illuminating the hallway.

Finally, you reached the room where the item was hidden—a small safe tucked behind a loose panel. Maya knelt, trying to stay calm. Her hands were trembling as she entered the code she remembered.

And then—a sound. A thud from upstairs, followed by another, softer one. Your eyes met, and instinctively, you both froze.

“Probably just the house settling,” you whispered, though the doubt in your voice was clear.

Maya’s breath came in short gasps. “No. I… I can’t do this alone.”

“You’re not alone,” you said firmly. “I’m right here. Let’s get the item and get out.”

With your support, she managed to open the safe. Inside was the item she had risked everything to retrieve. Relief flooded her face, but it was quickly replaced by terror as a shadow moved across the hallway outside.

“Move!” you hissed, grabbing her hand. Together, you bolted through the house, careful but fast, hearts hammering. Every instinct screamed danger, but you kept her close, guiding her past the creaks, the corners, the shadows.

Finally, you burst out the front door, the night air washing over you. Maya sank to the ground, shaking, but safe. You handed her the retrieved item, and she clutched it like it was her lifeline.

“Thanks… I couldn’t have done it without you,” she whispered, still catching her breath.