Finally, he turned to me, his eyes meeting mine with an intensity that demanded attention. “Sir, we need to investigate further. For your safety and ours, it’s best if we step outside for a moment.”

Reluctantly, I nodded, my mind spinning. I followed him back down the stairs, my legs heavy, each step weighted with reluctance. Outside, the rain was heavier, washing over the world in a cleansing curtain of water. It was a sharp contrast to the oppressive atmosphere inside the house, a small relief amidst the chaos.