The Unifying Ghost Of Love

The soft hum of the radio filled the small living room as Eleanor stretched out on the worn-out couch, flipping through the pages of a book she had already read a dozen times. The smell of freshly brewed tea lingered in the air, blending with the faint scent of rain seeping through the open window. Across from her, Isla sat curled up in a blanket, her delicate fingers wrapped around a steaming mug.

"You know," Isla murmured, a dreamy smile playing on her lips, "one day, we'll leave this place. Maybe move to the city, start over."

Eleanor chuckled, setting her book down. "And do what? You hate crowds."

Isla rolled her eyes. "I'll adjust. It's just... sometimes, I feel like something is waiting for us out there. A new life."

Eleanor softened. She knew her sister dreamed of bigger things, but reality had always been cruel. Since their parents died, it had been just the two of them, scraping by in a small town where opportunities were few. But as long as they had each other, they survived.

A sudden gust of wind rattled the window, making Isla shiver. "Did you hear that?"

Eleanor glanced at the window. "Just the wind," she reassured.

But Isla's unease lingered.

The night had settled into an eerie silence. Eleanor had fallen asleep on the couch, but a faint creak stirred her awake. Her eyes fluttered open, adjusting to the darkness. Something felt... off.

Then came another sound-a door handle turning.

Her heart pounded. She sat up slowly, straining to hear. Then-a crash. The sound of glass shattering.

"Isla!" Eleanor bolted up just as the front door burst open.

Two figures, dressed in black, stormed inside, their faces masked. Her breath hitched as a third man followed, taller, his stance commanding.

"Stay quiet, and you won't get hurt," one of them growled.

Eleanor's body froze, fear gripping her like ice. Isla stumbled out of her bedroom, her eyes wide with confusion. The men moved fast-one grabbed Eleanor, shoving her against the wall as another lunged for Isla.

"Don't touch her!" Eleanor screamed, thrashing, but a sharp slap sent her crumbling to the floor.