Braving the Gale for a Friend

The wind shrieked like a banshee, and the rain hammered against the windows like a thousand tiny fists. Inside, Melissa’s family was a cozy island in the storm. They were huddled in the living room, the only room with shutters firmly in place, playing a board game by the light of a flickering battery-powered lantern. Melissa’s mom had even pulled out a secret stash of cookies, the kind with sprinkles that Melissa loved, and they were munching on them as Dad moved the game pieces. Melissa felt safe, snuggled between her parents, but a little voice in the back of her head kept whispering about Mrs. Gable.

Just then, as if on cue, a gust of wind stronger than all the others rattled the very foundations of their house. And in the brief, terrifying pause that followed, Melissa heard it again. A faint, wavering sound, like a tiny mouse caught in a giant’s trap. It was a cry for help.

“Did you hear that?” Melissa whispered, her eyes wide.