Aldrian stood silently in front of the small house that now loomed before him.
The soft glow of the setting sun bathed its weathered red roof tiles, casting a gentle nostalgia over the scene. The house, though clearly old and neglected, held something inexplicably captivating for Aldrian since he first saw it in a property ad a few weeks ago. A feeling he couldn't quite explain, as if the house had been waiting—waiting for him to arrive and fill the emptiness within its walls.
With slow, deliberate steps, Aldrian approached the front door. The rusted hinge creaked softly as he turned the knob. The door opened with a long, drawn-out groan, sending a slight shiver down his spine. He took a deep breath, trying to chase away the strange unease that began to stir in his chest.
As he stepped inside, the damp, musty scent of an old building greeted him. Faded walls stood like silent witnesses to stories long forgotten. Peeling wallpaper added to the sense of age and abandonment, yet to Aldrian, it gave the house a unique kind of character.
The wooden floor creaked beneath his feet, as though offering a quiet welcome. "This will be my new place," Aldrian thought, trying to plant a seed of optimism in his mind.
After everything that had happened in his life lately—the painful breakup, the loss of his job, and a string of failures that seemed endless. This house might just be the fresh start he needed. A place to calm his mind and rebuild his life.
He walked through the empty living room, already picturing how he would arrange it. A worn-out sofa in the corner, a small coffee table—perhaps a few paintings or photos on the wall to make it feel more alive. But more than anything, Aldrian wanted to turn this house into a true home—a place of peace and protection.
He moved into the kitchen, observing the outdated appliances. Still, there was potential. He could imagine himself sitting at a small table in the corner, enjoying breakfast while watching the sunlight stream through the window.
After wandering through the house for a while, Aldrian decided to rest. He set down his backpack on the living room floor and sat on it, taking in his surroundings. Silence filled the space.
A deep silence—but strangely, it didn't make him feel alone. There was something in the stillness that made Aldrian feel accepted, as if the house understood the burdens he carried and was willing to shelter them.
His thoughts drifted to the past. To the place he once called home, where he grew up with his family. That home used to be full of laughter and warmth, but over time, the feeling faded. After his father's death, everything changed—including his relationship with his mother and siblings. The house that had once been so full of life became cold and hollow.
Aldrian shook his head, trying to dismiss the memory. The past was the past. Now, he was in a new place, with a new chance to begin again. This house, though small and aged, could be the place where he rediscovers what home truly means.
As evening turned to night, Aldrian rose and headed to the master bedroom—the room that would soon be his sanctuary. It wasn't large, but it felt cozy enough. A small window faced the overgrown backyard, offering a peaceful view when the stars came out.
He placed his backpack on the bed and began unpacking a few personal belongings. One of the first things he took out was a framed photo of his mother. It was one of the few memories he had brought from his old home. Looking at her face in the photo always gave him a quiet comfort, even though their relationship had long since grown distant.
After arranging a few items, Aldrian lay down on the bed. Exhaustion wrapped around him after the day's moving and unpacking. His eyes slowly drifted shut, and for the first time in what felt like forever, he felt he might actually sleep peacefully.
But just before he fully drifted off, Aldrian heard something that made his eyes snap open.
A soft sound—almost like a whisper—came from the direction of the wall.
Too faint to understand, but distinct enough to stir him.
He opened his eyes wide and listened, holding his breath, but the house had returned to silence.
"Probably just the wind," he thought. This house was old after all, and old buildings often made strange noises. He tried not to think about it and closed his eyes again.
But the sound returned.
This time, clearer. More real. As if someone were speaking from behind the wall.
Aldrian's heart began to pound. He sat up on the bed, straining to listen. But once again, the voice vanished—as if it had never existed.
"Maybe it's just my imagination," he told himself, trying to stay calm. Yet the strange feeling that had been with him since he first stepped into the house only grew stronger now. There was something about this place—something hidden within its silent walls.
With a mind swirling with unease, Aldrian finally lay back down, determined to get some rest. Even if the sound disturbed him, he kept telling himself it meant nothing.
Tomorrow would be a new day, and he'd have plenty of time to uncover the mysteries of this house.