But this time, every step felt heavy, like I was walking into a nightmare. Standing in front of the familiar wooden door, I knocked—first gently, then with more and more force.

“Daniel? Matthew?” I shouted, but my voice broke in the cold air. No one answered.

I put my hand on the doorknob just to try my luck. When I turned it slightly, the door creaked open. It was unlocked. My heart started pounding a thousand miles an hour. Daniel *never* left the door unlocked. He was always so careful, especially when Matthew was home.