A couple’s financial problems force them to move into a historic mansion. The house looks livable at first, but when they start hearing footsteps and discover food disappearing from the refrigerator, things start to get weird. Is it possible that they have company in this house?
Margo was moving to the house that had belonged to her grandmother, Robert was moving in with her. After fully loading the trunk and back seat of the car with their belongings, they drove there.
Margo’s recent job loss had made them more thrifty, which is why they moved into this property to reduce their renting costs.
Robert and Margo weren’t very thrilled about the relocation. They were going to an old home outside the town.
Robert, who works as a foreman by trade, planned to remodel the house gradually. Despite the tremendous obstacle, he felt fairly hopeful about being handy.
Margo got out of the car feeling apprehensive as Robert pulled up next to their new home. The home seemed haunting. There were significant spots of flaking paint and mismatched shutters.
The garden was overgrown with prickly shrubs, and there were plenty of weeds growing around the land. In the late afternoon light, the mansion appeared to tower large above them, creating lengthy shadows.
Neither Margo nor the rest of her family had a close relationship with her grandma. Because of her eccentric and secretive nature, her grandma was regarded as the oddity of the community.
Robert walked up to Margo and tried to look happy. He glanced at the home and said, “Are you ready to go inside?”
“To be honest, I’m not,” Margo answered as a knot in her gut began to tighten.
Robert gave an empathetic nod. Yes, I agree; neither did I. He remarked, “This isn’t what we imagined, but it’s our reality now,” and took a box out of the car.
Margo inhaled deeply and went with him. “I am aware. She tried to gather her composure and remarked, “Let’s just get this over with,” as they made their way toward the home.
Robert unlocked the door, and Margo followed him inside. She was prepared for grime, cobwebs, and layers of dust. Rather, the home appeared to have been well-maintained, as though someone had been living there.
Since her grandma had died a few months prior and no one had been inside the house since, Margo knew this was not feasible. She felt uneasy knowing that someone else may be residing there.
Robert examined the home as he strolled around it. To make sure it was stable, he looked for any weak areas in the floor.
To his delight, the electricity continued to function when he flicked the light switches. In order to ensure the plumbing was working, he also tested the water.
After inspecting the residence, Robert remarked, “It’s not as bad as we thought.” He nodded at the rather tidy area as he glanced about.
You’re right, yet I find that frightening. Is it not frightening you? With a worried look around the room, Margo questioned. She felt uneasy and couldn’t get rid of it.
Why ought it to frighten us? Given our restricted budget, we’ll have to spend less on this property than we anticipated, which is fine,” Robert said, taking into consideration their financial limitations.
Recognizing Margo’s deep desire to pursue her artistic aspirations, he was making every effort to assist her. Margo let out a sigh that was both guilty and relieved. Robert was doing everything he could to make her feel good, she knew.
Although she regretted not working, she hoped that one day her painting would bring them financial support. She heard an odd noise, like footsteps, right then.
Her voice was tight as she questioned, “Did you hear that?”
“What’s that?” Robert gave her a perplexed expression.
With her eyes wide, Margo said, “It sounded like someone was walking.”
Robert said, “You must have imagined it; I didn’t hear anything,” in an attempt to reassure her.
Margo concluded that she had dreamed it and Robert was correct. She attempted to ignore the sound by shaking her head.
Their furnishings came a few hours later. They started to make the place feel like home when they organized their possessions together.
Margo couldn’t sleep properly that night, so she laid in bed close to Robert and occasionally slept off. She was uneasy due to the strange noises coming from the ancient home.
She heard a noise that sounded like a door closing. A shiver went down her spine as her eyelids jerked open. She shook Robert awake right away.
“Have you heard that, Robert?” With urgency, she whispered.
Robert massaged his eyes and moaned. He said, half drowsy, “You probably just dreamed it.”
No, I was awake. With her pulse racing, Margo said, “I’m positive I heard something.”
Robert exhaled. Margo, it’s an ancient house. It emits sounds. In an attempt to return to sleep, he said, tossing over.
Margo was unable to ignore the sounds, though. With caution, so as not to wake Robert any further, she climbed out of bed and activated her phone’s flashlight.
She exited the room and started inspecting each room individually as the feeble ray sliced through the darkness. Nothing stood out to her, yet her discomfort simply increased.
Margo finally made it to the basement door. She made the decision to see what was there. When she tried the doorknob, she discovered the door was locked from the other side. A beat skipped in her heart.
Margo went back to sleep, her head buzzing with options, and resolved to deal with it the next day. She pulled the blankets back over her head and tried to ignore her thoughts.
She slept during this period, despite disturbing pictures of the home and its mysteries occupied her nightmares.
Robert went to the shop the following morning before work to get food so Margo could make dinner for them. Wanting to make sure they had all they needed, he departed early. Grinning, Margo waved him away, feeling a little more at ease following the events of the night before.
Margo forgot about the closed door and the noises she had heard at night as she tidied and organized her art studio throughout the day. She immersed herself in her task, assembling her easel and organizing her painting equipment.
As she arranged her paints and brushes, she had a calm feeling and thought of the lovely creations she would make in her new area.
But when it came time to prepare supper, she discovered some food was gone when she opened the refrigerator.
Even though it was small—only two eggs and a small amount of milk—it seemed odd because they hadn’t eaten anything yet and Robert had just recently purchased the goods. Perplexed, she scowled.
Margo walked to the garage, where Robert had already moved his work gear, determined to find out what was going on. She reached for a few items she believed would be useful to unlock the door.
Margo spent many minutes tinkering with the door before she succeeded in opening it. The squeak of the door opening made her heart accelerate.
At first, Margo was unable to see anything since the basement was dark. She reached for the light switch, flicked it on, and walked down the steps gingerly. Her assumptions were reinforced by what she witnessed.
There were two little beds with blankets and pillows on the floor. An old but cherished stuffed animal rested on one of the mattresses.
On the floor was a portable gas stove as well. Margo’s thoughts were racing. The residence did definitely have an occupant.
Margo contemplated whether to tell Robert what she had discovered today after they had supper together after he got home from work. She thought of the portable stove, the cuddly toy, and the two little beds.
Knowing that Robert had enough on his plate already, she decided not to add to his stress. She chose to look into it more on her own and decided to remain silent for the time being.
Robert slept off, and Margo softly slid out of bed. She was certain that at night, whomever lived in the basement would come out.
Breathing deeply, she reached for a flashlight and made her way down the basement, choosing not to switch on the light so as not to wake the resident.
She made her way down the steps cautiously, keeping her sounds to a minimum. Her flashlight’s beam pierced the gloom, which seemed foreboding.
She gradually shifted the light, letting it fall on the beds after sweeping it around the space. She was shocked to see a kid and a girl, cuddled together under flimsy blankets, sleeping on them.
Margo shrieked with amazement that she was unable to control. Terrified, the kids awoke and started screaming as well. With a pounding heart, Margo dashed to the light switch and flicked it on.
The kids were readily visible in the sudden brightness. The child appeared to be approximately six years old, and the boy about sixteen. Trembling, they clutched to one other.
“Who are you? Furthermore, why are you at my home? Margo inquired, attempting to maintain a calm tone. She gazed at the kids, her mind racing.
The boy moved forward to protect the girl. He said, “I can explain everything.” “This is Olive, my younger sister. My name is Mark.”
“What brings you here?” Margo inquired, her worried eyes wide.
Mark inhaled deeply. “We were expelled by our parents. There was nowhere for us to go. We assumed this house was deserted when we arrived.
“However, Sally resided here,” Olive said in a low voice. “She looked after us and took us in.”
Margo had a brief moment of sorrow. “Sally has left,” she muttered.
“Yeah, we worked that out,” Mark answered. We’re currently in the basement because of this. We were at a loss about where to go.
Margo turned to face the kids. They were obviously afraid and defenseless. She believed that kids shouldn’t have to steal food and live in a basement. They require a secure location. She sighed deeply, experiencing conflicting feelings.
“Sit up,” she urged softly. “I’ll get you a bed in an upstairs room.”
With hesitation, the kids stood up and followed Margo. She showed them to the guest room, got the bed prepared, and gave them new pillows and blankets. With relief and thanks, they cast a glance at her.
After observing the kids become comfortable in their beds, she discreetly went back to her room with Robert.
She was thinking of Mark and Olive as she laid there. She knew that everything will change when they were here.
Margo told Robert about the kids in the morning. He trailed behind her, curious, to the guest room. The two kids were still soundly asleep as she carefully opened the door.
Robert’s shocked eyes became larger. “Who are these people?” he muttered.
After inhaling deeply, Margo clarified, “They’ve been living in our basement.”
Robert touched his hair, attempting to take in the information. “Margo, what are we supposed to do?”
After a moment of hesitation, Margo responded, “Perhaps this is our chance to become parents at last. We had always desired children but were unable to become parents.
Robert gave a heavy sigh. However, we hardly have enough cash for our own needs. How are we going to pay for the care of two children?
Margo gave him a determined look. “I’m going to attempt selling my artwork. Although I am aware that I haven’t made anything thus far, I will work harder. We are able to make it function.
Robert gave a headshake. We must exercise realism. If you are able to sell your paintings, let’s talk about it. But for the time being, we ought to alert the authorities.
Though she was saddened, Margo saw his point. Robert gave her a soft forehead kiss. He responded, “I’ll see you later,” and headed out the door for work.
Margo put the kids down in the kitchen as soon as they woke up. She was ready to break the news, but her heart hurt. She said gently, “Mark, Olive, I need to talk to you about something.”
Mark gave her a wide-eyed stare. “What’s that?”
Margo inhaled deeply. “You may need to contact the police. They’ll arrange for lodging for you.
The kids went into a frenzy right away. “No! Oh, please, Olive begged, don’t do it. “We’ll find ourselves back on the streets.”
Tears flooded Mark’s eyes. “Margo, please. It’s not secure.
Margo noticed tears starting to form in her own eyes. I wish I could retain you both, but my spouse and I are having difficulties. We are unable to adequately care for you.
After wiping her eyes, Olive said, “Is there another way?”
Margo paused to reflect. We may possibly be able to retain you if I could sell my paintings. It’s not guaranteed, though.
Robert came home with the police that evening. The youngsters shrieked and clung to Margo, pleading with her not to take them away, the moment they spotted the social workers. They shouted out, “Please, Margo, don’t let them take us!”
As Margo attempted to console them, her heart broke. “I apologize so much,” she muttered. She turned to face Robert in the hopes that he would soften, but he refused to budge.
Mark and Olive were gently removed by the social workers. The kids’ screams continued long after they had departed. With tears running down her cheeks, Margo turned to face Robert. How come you done this?
Robert looked serious. “Margo, it was hard for me too. We can’t provide children with a decent life right now, but I want to have a family with you. I had to consider what would be best for everyone.
A few days later, Margo was unable to paint as she sat in front of a blank canvas at her painting studio. The absence of the kids made the studio feel empty.
She up, took her paints and canvas, and headed to the basement. The pair of little beds remained, serving as a quiet memento of Mark and Olive. She started painting, putting all of her feelings onto the piece.
After she was done, she gave the painting the name “Survival.” To Margo’s surprise, the artwork was purchased the same day for a hefty price after she listed it for sale.
They may temporarily sustain the kids with that amount of money. Robert and Margo hoped that Margo would continue to sell her paintings in the future so they could support the kids.
Margo told Robert about the sale with excitement. He nodded, grinned, and said, “Let’s get started.”
When they got in touch with the authorities, they found out that Olive and Mark were searching for foster care because their old living situation wasn’t suitable. Margo and Robert made plans to foster the kids and then returned them home.
Every youngster has their own room already, complete with books, toys, and cozy blankets.
Mark and Olive’s eyes brightened with excitement as they entered their new quarters. As they watched, Margo and Robert had a deep sense of contentment and joy. At last, their family was uniting.”