Ava was paralyzed by confusion and fear. Indeed, the footsteps had drawn closer, but not close enough to reach her hiding spot. This partly relieved her, but not sufficiently. The young woman closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and tried to sharpen her ears to evaluate what she couldn't see.

The sobs coming from Daniel's room were distressing, mixing with faint whispers that Ava attempted to decipher, but it was practically impossible. All she could perceive was the distress emanating from the