With every passing mile, her excitement began to collide

with anxiety. She couldn't help but replay the conversations with

her editor, who had urged her to pursue the story.

"You're from

there, Clara. You know the people, the history,

" he had said.

"This

could be your chance to shine a light on something dark that's

been hidden for too long.

" The thought had made her heart race,

but it also filled her with disquiet. What if she uncovered

something she wasn't prepared to face? What would it mean for

her old friendships?

The last stretch of road leading into Eldridge Hollow

opened up before her like a book waiting to be read. The town's

entrance sign, weathered and flaking, gleamed dully in the late

afternoon sun. It read,

"Welcome to Eldridge Hollow: Where

Every Stone Tells a Secret.

" The slogan, once charming to her as a

child, felt ominous now. Clara took a deep breath, her heart