the millionaire’s son hears strange noises because his stepmother moves every night

once the boy goes to the source of the sound he immediately calls 9 1 1

the only sound in the study was the scratch of a fountain pen on paper

Richard put the pen down and lightly massaged his temples dozens of contracts for tomorrow’s trip to Europe

were signed but the heavy feeling in his chest didn’t diminish

his gaze unconsciously drifted to the corner of the desk where a small oak photo frame rested

in the picture Sarah was smiling radiantly under the Italian sun her golden hair blowing in the wind

five years had passed but every time he looked at that smile Richard

still felt as if someone was squeezing his heart he reached out to touch the glass

but a sharp knock on the door startled him Richard quickly flipped the photo frame face down

onto the cold wooden surface come in he said

the door opened Elena entered carrying a silver tray with a glass of water and a vitamin dispenser

she wore an elegant cream silk dress her hair neatly styled in a bun

exuding the professionalism of a seasoned head nurse here are your multivitamins Richard

Elena placed the tray on the desk her voice soft as cotton but carrying the commanding

tone of a healthcare provider you know the doctor said you need to conserve your strength for the long flight

tomorrow thank you Elena I’m just a little stressed

Elena walked behind his chair placing her hands on her husband’s shoulders and gently massaging him

her eyes swept over Richard’s tired back then paused at the built in wall safe

hidden behind the bookcase in the corner the glance was fleeting sharp and calculating

before returning to her usual caring expression don’t worry too much she murmured

I’ve got the home front covered I’ll take good care of Leo and your mother

you just focus on bringing the money home for this family Richard gently patted his wife’s hand

feeling grateful he didn’t know how he would manage this patchwork family without her

downstairs in the living room Leo was sitting on the carpet surrounded by scattered blue sheets of paper

the slender boy with big round eyes was focused on folding each crease

beside him Margaret sat in an old rocking chair her wrinkled trembling hands

trying to smooth out a crumpled piece of paper one two

three she mumbled her eyes glazed over staring into the void enough for a thousand cranes and daddy will smile

right Leo yes Grandma Leo whispered without looking up

I folded 50 Elena’s soft footsteps sounded on the stairs

she stopped observing the two with a perpetual smile on her face oh look what our two artists are up to

Elena walked over and stroked Leo’s head that’s beautiful young man

but remember to clean up before dinner as she passed the tip of her high heeled shoe

gently nudged a paper crane that was blocking the entrance to the sofa’s underside

a gentle swift kick that went unnoticed much like one brushes away a bothersome piece of trash

dinner that evening was served in the formal atmosphere of the large dining room

the maid placed a bowl of steaming cream of mushroom soup in front of each person

the rich aroma made Richard slightly frown this was the dish Sarah used to cook

every Sunday evening Margaret picked up her spoon and tasted a little

suddenly she put the spoon down with a clatter her eyes shining as she looked at Elena

Sarah my dear she exclaimed her voice trembling with emotion the soup is delicious exactly

the taste of the wild mushrooms you used to pick and this blue silk dress

I remember you wore it at Leo’s birthday party didn’t you the space seemed to freeze

Richard dropped his knife and fork the sound of metal hitting the porcelain plate was jarring

he looked at his mother then at his wife feeling awkward Mom Richard said

his voice dropping this is Elena my new wife and she’s wearing a cream dress

not blue Elena remained sitting upright the smile on her lips stiff as if sculpted from wax

Margaret blinked confusion clearly etched on her aged face she looked at Elena for a long moment

then as if realizing something she gently pushed the soup bowl toward her new daughter in law

oh I’m sorry my mistake she mumbled her voice unconsciously becoming condescending

nurse you don’t need to keep serving sit down and eat with the family it is the weekend after all

the elderly woman’s naive remark felt like a slap across Elena’s face

she wasn’t the help she was the lady of the house Elena took a deep breath

trying to suppress the anger boiling in her chest you’re teasing mother

she replied her voice sweet but her eyes devoid of warmth I’m sitting and eating with everyone

Richard quickly diffused the tense atmosphere mom is a little tired Elena

I’ll be leaving early tomorrow I’m entrusting the whole house to you please take care of mom for me

I trust you the most he gently squeezed his wife’s cold hand

full of confidence Elena looked at her husband nodded a strange glint in her eyes

late at night when Richard’s steady snoring filled the room Elena stood in front of the bathroom mirror

she used a cotton pad to wipe away her makeup revealing a sharp but cold face

she stared at her reflection then opened the vanity drawer her finger hooked onto the cold metal key ring

the spare set of keys Richard had given her this afternoon early the next morning

while the fog had not yet completely lifted the sleek black sedan carrying Richard

slowly rolled through the large iron gate Elena stood on the porch waving goodbye to her husband

her gentle smile remaining on her face until the car disappeared behind the old oak trees

immediately the smile vanished as if someone had flipped a switch

her face became expressionless terrifyingly cold she turned around and walked straight into the house

Leo stood rooted at the bottom of the stairs his small hands clutching his worn teddy bear to his chest