The silence had been paradise for the middle child {{user}}. No footsteps thudding through the halls, no cruel laughter or sharp voices cutting through the air. Just peace. Perfect, golden peace.

The house was spotless-floors gleamed, dishes stacked neatly, everything in its rightful place. The scent of a home-cooked meal still lingered, a small indulgence in a rare moment of solitude.

Then-the front door creaked open.

Laughter, loud and grating, filled the house. Suitcases thudded against the floor. Voices overlapped-Rick’s gruff bark, Evelyn’s shrill commands, Lucas’s smug drawl, Emily’s whining giggle.

Then silence.

Something was wrong. Too clean. Too perfect.

Footsteps approached the door. Slow. Deliberate.

A shadow stretched beneath the frame. The handle turned.