Christina wouldn't stop singing anytime soon.
After hanging up with the Skinny Man, I hesitated for a long time, still unsure whether I should call my parents and younger sister.
That indecision lasted for quite a while before I finally made up my mind.
I called my younger sister first.
The phone rang twice, then the call was declined.
I froze for a moment, then a message came through.
My sister was in class and couldn't answer.
I stared at the message, dazed.
Only then did it occur to me that ordinary people had to work and go to school. They couldn't slack off like we had lately, constantly thinking about the supernatural.
I pushed down my doubts and called my parents instead.
Mom answered. Her tone was normal as she asked how I was enjoying my time away. Her voice sounded a little tense, and something seemed off with her mood.
My heart leapt into my throat.
Even though this was what I'd expected, my sister's response had been the real surprise.
I stammered, tentatively asking, "Mom, how are things over there? Are you and Dad... okay?"
There was no reply from the other end.
My heart climbed even higher, almost bursting out of my throat.
"We're fine, same as always. You haven't even been gone that long. What could have happened?" Mom answered perfunctorily. She hesitated, then continued, "It's just really noisy outside. I don't know who's playing music, but it's been going on for ages, and it's in a foreign language. Your dad says he's going to complain to the neighborhood committee. I'm worried he'll end up arguing with someone. The people on the first floor—the ones who live alone—have been yelling for quite a while."
I froze again.
This reaction was just as unexpected as the