Every summer, Grace spent a few weeks at her aunt's house.It had become a quiet tradition over the years. As soon as school or work gave her enough time away, she packed a small suitcase, filled her car with the things she would need, and drove out to the little town where her aunt lived. The house was not fancy, but Grace loved it. It had a wide front porch, old wooden floors, large windows, and a backyard filled with flowers her aunt refused to let anyone touch.This summer was supposed to be the same.Grace stood in her bedroom on Friday morning, folding the last of her clothes into her suitcase. She packed light because she knew she would spend most of her days in shorts, loose shirts, and simple dresses. She added two books, her skincare bag, a pair of sandals, and her phone charger before closing the suitcase.Her aunt had already left three days earlier for a family trip and had asked Grace to stay at the house while she was gone."You know the routine," her aunt had said ove
Last Updated : 2026-09-14 Read more