The movement was coming from among the front row of trees. None of the four friends had any fear left in them. So they decided to find out the source of the movement.

There were two fence gates one after the other. The area between the two looked like the remains of what used to be a kitchen garden.  Beyond the second gate, was a grassy area for a few hundred metres with some trees scattered here and there. And beyond the lovely area, there were thick, dense trees reminding oneself of the forest.

They walked along the stony path focused on the movement. The branches of a tree seemed to move in a rhythmic motion. As they passed the broken garden gate, they realised that it was the movement of a swing. As they came closer they could see that it was a little girl swinging. She seemed fearless. It meant two things. Either she knew about the fake happenings or she wasn't aware of it at all.

The girl looked around 12 years old. She had sparkling black eyes and long brown hair that was flowing with the wind. A smile was playing on her lips which grew wider when they approached.

She was the first one to speak. "I don't see many people around here. And I guess I am seeing a group of friendly people after a long time." Her voice was beaming with enthusiasm. She had stopped swinging by now but didn't get down from the swing.

"We just came here to find a quiet picnic spot but we didn't find anyone in this neighbourhood." Jessy lied. She didn't want to scare the child or give any wrong idea about themselves.

"This neighbourhood is almost deserted. Mostly there are huge estates around here owned by people who rarely pass by. It's just their workers who show up now and then." So it's not likely to see anyone around. " the little girl said.

Airin interrupted her and asked, "There's no one seem to be around. How come you are here?" She couldn't hide her astonishment.

"Families don't usually settle down here. There was an old couple across the street and my friend's family who lived here apart from mine. That house you passed by when you came here used to be my friend's house." the little girl said pointing towards the house they had thought to be haunted until an hour ago.

"Her father liked countryside just like my father and bought this place. It's always quiet here except for the birds singing or the breeze whistling. We loved playing here. My friend used to love playing on this swing. But unfortunately she and her family died in an accident over an year ago. I really miss them badly." she added

"Where is your house, then?" asked Ryan looking around not able to see a house around.

"I live beyond those trees. As I told you I really miss those times when I used to come here to play on this swing. Now I come here whenever I feel lonely. It reminds me of those wonderful memories. " the girl answered. "Oh by the way, I forgot to introduce myself. My name is Isabelle. You can call me Bella." she added.

"My name is Jessica. These are my friends Airin, Ryan and Alby." Jessy said trying to be friendly.

Just then they heard a rumbling noise far away. It was growing louder  as moments passed by. "It sounds like some kind of vehicle. Let's go and see." said Alby.

All five of them moved towards the front of the house. But Ryan just stopped them when they were about to reach the front. The vehicle had stopped in front of the house. It was a blue mini van that looked like it had not been cleaned for ages. They all ducked behind the trees just when the engine died out.

They saw the driver come out of the van and open the fence gate. Two other men came out carrying some kind of box. It was huge and seemed heavy. The driver walked towards the house followed by the men.

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Done with this chapter. As I promised, I am posting this sooner than you expected ☺️. I am sorry its shorter than the others. But I will make it up.