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CHAPTER SIX – THE WHISPER IN THE WINDOW

The new house was still and quiet that night, like it was holding its breath.

Tanny lay curled under the covers, her eyes flickering open. Something had stirred her from sleep—not a noise, but a feeling. A strange sensation that pulled her attention toward the window like a soft voice calling her name.

She sat up slowly.

The moonlight spilled through the glass panes, casting silver stripes on the floor. And then she saw it.

There—on the windowsill—sat something that definitely hadn’t been there before.

A cube.

Small, black, with faint glowing lines across its surface. It pulsed gently, like it was breathing.

Tanny's heart skipped. She climbed out of bed, careful not to make a sound. The floor was cool beneath her feet. With cautious steps, she approached the cube. Her reflection shimmered in the glass of the window behind it.

She looked outside instinctively.

And froze.

Her gaze shifted from the glowing cube back to the window. The curtains fluttered gently as a cool breeze slipped through the barely open frame. She hadn’t noticed it before—had she left it ajar? A chill ran down her spine.

She leaned closer to the window, squinting past the yard and into the quiet street beyond. For a split second, she thought she saw a shadow—tall, still, watching—but when she blinked, it was gone.

Tanny: (murmuring) Was… someone just there?

She turned back to the cube. Its faint lines glowed a bit brighter now, almost pulsing. It hadn’t been there before—she was sure of it. Someone must have left it.

Someone had come.

She hesitated, glancing back toward the hallway. The house was silent, save for the hum of the air conditioner and distant clatter from Macklin’s room. Whatever this thing was, it wasn’t part of the décor.

She reached out slowly and tapped it with one finger.

Nothing happened.

Then, a faint whirring sound.

She snatched her hand back just as the cube flickered and opened slightly, revealing a sliver of light and… a note?

With trembling fingers, she pulled out the tiny folded paper inside. The handwriting was unfamiliar, spidery and quick.

“You’ve heard the whispers, haven’t you? Don’t ignore them.”

Tanny’s breath caught in her throat. She turned sharply back to the window—but the compound was empty now. Whoever had been there was long gone.

******

Tanny: Mom, can anyone apart from us enter into this compound.

Lucinda: (Looks confused) What do you mean Tanny? Did you see anyone or anything strange.

Tanny: (Pauses) Erm mum it's really nothing actually.

Lucinda: Tiana 

Tanny: ( A hint of fear should in her eyes but quickly disappears) Mum calm down, I told you it's nothing , by the way you haven't answered my question.

Lucinda: Well this place is secured, no one can enter unless the person is given permission, is that okay?

Tanny: (Nods her head)

Lucinda: (squeezes tanny's hands softly) Honey I know it's hard to get used to this place, trust when I say say you're gonna love it. Besides you will be starting school next week.

Tanny: ( Surprised) Mum so soon?

Lucinda: What do you mean? you are still going to school, you haven't graduated yet.

Tanny: (Acts cute) Mummy, why do I have to go, can't I just home school  ?

Lucinda: Homeschooling is not the problem, rather you need to come out of your shell and make friends. You don't want to be a low ranger .

Tanny: I love being low ranger.

Lucinda: Baby, you're going to listen to mummy okay?

Tanny: (Sighs) Fine 

Lucinda: ( smiles) It's going to be a whole new experience.

Tanny: I hope so