Chapter 3 - The Empty House
I scrambled to my feet and threw my entire body weight against the heavy oak door.
It barely moved, firmly secured by the metal deadbolt on the other side.
Chloe rushed over to help me, her face pale with shared panic.
“We have to get out of here right now!” Chloe yelled frantically.
I looked around the room and spotted a heavy brass lamp resting on my nightstand.
I grabbed it by the base and swung it fiercely at the door hinges.
The brass shattered against the wood, sending sharp splinters flying into the air.
Chloe joined in, kicking the weakened center panel with her bare feet.
With one final, desperate push, the wooden frame cracked loudly and gave way.
We tumbled out into the hallway and scrambled quickly to our feet.
I rushed blindly down the stairs, screaming my daughter's name.
“Emma!” I cried out, searching the living room and the kitchen.
The house was completely and utterly silent.
The front door was wide open, letting the cold winter wind blow inside.
Daniel and Emma were entirely gone.
I ran back inside and headed straight for Daniel's home office down the hall.
I knew he kept all his important documents locked away in the bottom drawer of his desk.
I grabbed a heavy paperweight and smashed the cheap lock holding the drawer shut.
I frantically tossed aside tax returns and bank statements until I found a hidden file folder.
It was a thick yellow folder conspicuously labeled with the local hospital's official logo.
My hands shook violently as I opened it and pulled out the original medical forms from my delivery.
I scanned the complicated medical jargon until my eyes landed on the final physician's notes.
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The document clearly stated that I had successfully given birth to living, healthy twin girls.
Daniel had deliberately lied to me for five years, keeping my other child a secret.
