Page 5 - Demo

4Every evening, her dad would tuck her intobed at exactly 11:30 PM. He%u2019d sit by herside, reading her a story from one of theirold books, his voice deep and soothing.When the story ended, he%u2019d lean down, kissher gently on the forehead, and whisper,%u201cYour mom is always near.%u201d Then he wouldturn off the lights, close her door, andleave.Ellie noticed a strange routine after that. Atexactly midnight, every single night, herdad would go down into the basement. Shewasn%u2019t allowed to follow him.%u201cEllie,%u201d he told her firmly one evening asthey ate dinner,%u201cnever go into thebasement. It%u2019s dangerous.%u201d%u201cOkay, Daddy,%u201d she replied obediently. Butas the days passed, her curiosity grew.