September 2, 2026 STORIES 16 min

I returned home for Christmas after 12 years, and my sister greeted me saying: “Our parents went on a trip.” I didn’t argue; I just lowered my eyes and began searching the house. Then I found my father’s broken glasses, a locked door, and heard three knocks beneath the kitchen… when I opened the basement, I understood why no one had seen them for months.

“Your parents aren’t here, Shawn. They went away for Christmas, and you should wait until they get back.”...