They moved through the narrow hallway, Jimena leading the way with familiarity tinged by reluctance. Morales noted the peeling wallpaper, the creaking floorboards, each step echoing ominously through the silence. It was a place that seemed to hold its breath, waiting for the next moment.

Jimena stopped at a door near the end of the hallway. She hesitated, her small hand hovering over the doorknob. Morales placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. “You’re brave, Jimena. We’ll get through this together.”