The night was deep.
Sitting at her desk and staring at the reference books before her, Honda couldn't calm herself no matter what. She stared at the string of prayer beads around her wrist and couldn't help sighing. Before the three of them left, Duanmu Huai had given them to Honda, saying they might help her feel a little more at ease. The string of prayer beads looked extremely unusual, with golden Sanskrit carved into them. They looked quite powerful.
But even so, Honda still couldn't feel at ease. Her family hadn't returned yet, and she was alone in the house. This left her restless and even made her mouth feel somewhat dry.
I should go get some water.
Thinking this, Honda stood up, left the bedroom, and went to the kitchen on the first floor. The entire house was empty. Even after Honda turned on all the lights, there was still an intangible sense of fear and unease. She hurried to the kitchen, opened the refrigerator, took out a bottle of soda, opened it, and gulped it down.
The cold drink seemed to dispel some of the heat rising in her heart. Honda put the bottle in the trash can and then turned around, intending to go upstairs.
Just then, the doorbell rang.
"Ding-dong..."
"Who, who is it?"
Hearing the doorbell, Honda shuddered. Her parents had keys, and it was impossible for anyone else to come by this late at night. So who on earth was ringing the doorbell?
She cautiously walked to the entryway, but on the other side of the frosted glass, Honda couldn't see anyone. It was as if there were no one there at all.
M-maybe I heard it wrong.
Honda tried to comfort her terrified heart, then turned around and intended to go upstairs.