13. Echo's cry

THAT NIGHT

"Mommy! You are back!" Echo shrieked out in happiness as she emerged from her hiding spot under the bed, catching sight of Faith entering the room through the creaking door. The room, dimly lit by a single flickering lamp, seemed to come alive with Echo's exuberance.

Faith, her weary eyes mirroring the exhaustion etched on her face, had just finished a grueling day of menial tasks. The weight of her responsibilities had pressed down on her throughout the day, yet she persevered. She had tirelessly washed countless dishes, meticulously swept every corner of the floor, and meticulously dusted off every piece of furniture. Fatigue threatened to overcome her, but she soldiered on, her determination unyielding.

In her threadbare dress, Faith had managed to navigate the labyrinthine corridors of the mansion, her steps guided by a wary caution. While the shadows loomed menacingly, she was fortunate to have escaped the clutches of any lurking predators. The silence of the empty hall