Chapter 17 - The Aftermath
Arthur sat on the hallway floor, completely drained of energy. Mason was lying next to him, breathing heavily but finally safe. The strange, metallic smell had completely disappeared from the air. Sunlight broke through the storm clouds outside, shining warmly through the hallway window. Arthur carefully untied the rope from the banister, letting it fall to the floor. He helped Mason up, supporting his grandson as they slowly walked down the stairs. They left the house without looking back, leaving the haunted history locked on the second floor. Arthur drove them back to the cabin, where Lily was waiting anxiously on the porch. When she saw her brother, she ran down the steps, crying tears of absolute joy. The family was finally reunited, battered but unbroken by the nightmare. They spent the rest of the day holding each other close in front of the warm fireplace.
