Page 124 of Trick or Stalk

The floor creaks again.

This time, I ignore it.

A soft sound comes from the next aisle.

I stop.

That wasn't a creak.

It sounded like⁠—

Footsteps.

I don't move.

My pulse pounds in my ears.

One step.

Then another.

Slow.

Measured.

I step backward until my spine touches the bookshelf.

“Is someone here?”

Nothing.

“Margaret?”

I immediately feel stupid.

I watched her leave. And if she had come back, I would’ve heard the bell.

Wouldn't I?

I wait.

It’s silent.

My heart slowly begins to settle. “You're freaking yourself out.”

That's all this is.

Everything has me on edge.

I resume shelving.

No more footsteps come.

By the time I finish the stack, I'm annoyed with myself more than frightened.

I head toward the counter.

Then remember the box Margaret asked me to grab from storage.