The House That Knew

The House That Listened Ethan was twelve when his parents decided he was “old enough.”

They stood in the kitchen with suitcases by the door, the early morning light slanting across

the floor. His mom knelt and adjusted his hoodie strings like he might unravel without

her. His dad gave him the spare phone and a laminated list of emergency

numbers. “We’ll be gone three nights,” his dad said. “You lock the doors.

You don’t open them for anyone. You understand?” Ethan nodded, trying to look brave.

He had begged for this—proof he wasn’t a little kid anymore. When the car finally pulled away,

the house went quiet in a way Ethan had never heard before. Not peaceful. Empty.