Time seemed to collapse inward as terror surged through me with blinding clarity and urgency. Every protective instinct ignited simultaneously, sharpening my awareness toward the partially open closet door across the room. Darkness pooled behind the narrow gap, impenetrable and menacing in its silence.
“What man are you talking about, Amelia, since nobody else should be inside this house tonight?” I asked, barely breathing.
Her small hand lifted slowly, pointing directly toward the closet without hesitation or uncertainty.
I reacted instantly, pulling Amelia behind me while backing cautiously toward the doorway with my heart racing uncontrollably. Without removing my gaze from the closet, I reached blindly for my phone resting on the hallway table. My fingers fumbled violently before finally connecting the emergency call.
“Please help me immediately because I believe someone is hiding inside my baby’s room,” I whispered urgently.