A sudden sense of dread

Tension drives the pair into silence as they sit; before them, the flickering sconce light casts shadows on the seemingly ancient stonework of the stately mansion. Then, Roger opens the door, a blast of cold air and rain hitting his side. "Let's be quick," he says. "I just hope they haven't started yet."

Roger barely avoids slipping as he dashes to the enormous double doors, the indented area providing him with some cover. Hesitantly, Becky follows him, the wind pulling uselessly at her hair and purse. They stare at the doors, old and without handles to pull them open.

"Are we supposed to knock?" asks Becky.

Roger rubs his temples. "I don't know that, either."

Barely audible over the hammering of the storm, the distinct squelch of shoe on mud sounds. In the darkness, though, Roger sees nothing unusual. Clearly Becky hears it too, and she stiffens and looks around.

"What was that?"

"Can you guess what my answer will be?" Roger sighs. "Maybe an animal, or maybe it came from inside. There's gotta be a lot of people in there, right?" He gestures at the cluster of cars.

Becky shakes her head, then gasps and clutches Roger's arm. "There, by the wall," she whispers frantically. "That's no animal."

Roger looks over. As his eyes adjust to the light level, he makes out a dark, unmoving shape, about as tall and slender as a person. Squint as he might, he fails to discern any more detail than that.

"Hello?" he calls out, but there's no response.

Suddenly, a flash of lightning strikes intimidatingly near them, illuminating the figure for just a moment. It's enough to give them both the impression of a humanoid face and body. Then, Roger laughs.

"It's just a statue," he points out. "A creepy one, but it can't hurt you."

However, Becky isn't reassured. "I don't want to spend another second out here." She turns to the doors, frightened and impatient. "Should we knock, or what?"