Martha went over and laid by the door, begging with her eyes for Paul to take her for a walk. He sighed.

"She hasn't gone for a long walk for a while," he commented.

"Why don't you take her then?" I asked.

"But..." He mirrored Martha's expression, but differently. "I'm afraid to take you out, he might see you."

"I could stay here,"

"You sure?"

"Why not?"

He shrugged. "No reason, I guess. I'm not hiding anything, you can look around, in my room, in the basement, if you can get down there. Otherwise It'll be a bit boring just sitting there."

"Alright, sounds fun!"

He smiled as he took his white jacket off its hook and clipped Martha's leash to her collar. "Thank you, Linda,"

I smiled in return as they stepped outdoors. Paul took one last look back inside, possibly wondering if I was safe. I smiled again, reassuringly, and they took off to the left.

I glanced at the basement door, curiosity winning over. I held the armrest of the couch as I stood up, slowly but fast enough. I walked along behind the couch, putting my weight into the backrest as I headed for the door. Walking was still sort of awkward, but it was getting easier.

I made it to the door, but I wasn't quite sure how to get down the steps, as I was worn out from getting there. I settled on sitting down on the top step and I went down like that, step by step. By the time I got to the bottom my legs were all rested up, so I stood up and searched around for a light switch. I expected to trip on something in the dark, but he must not have had much down there. I found one behind the staircase and flipped it on, illuminating a small piano in the near centre of the room. Curiosity satisfied, I sat down at it, grateful for the seat.

I didn't play piano, but I liked to fiddle with the keys. I tried to figure out John's newest song, Across the Universe, but I didn't know at all how to play it, or what note it started on. I gave up and tried While my Guitar Gently Weeps, with more success. I finished the verse and went back over it to see if it sounded right. No, halfway into it didn't feel right. I was trying different notes when I heard someone at the front door. I thought it was Paul and Martha, but they were having trouble getting it open, which was odd. I knew Paul had a key, so I didn't go up and unlock it. Suddenly, I heard the sound of glass shattering. I quickly got up and turned the light off and hid behind the stairs, scared to death. Looking back, that was probably the best move I could have taken, which is surprising, considering I usually go stiff when I'm terrified.

I heard them moving about upstairs, seemingly looking for something. Then I heard the steps creak under their weight. Like me, they didn't know where the light was, so they stumbled about in the dark and tripped on the piano bench, muttering curses.

I knew that voice.

~~~

A/N Hey guys, I'm really sorry about the gap between chapters. I'm kinda sorta grounded so I'm updating this on my grandmother's tablet (thank you Grandma) So, yeah, for now, updates will be spread out- but I'm still writing! And thanks for sticking with my book!!