He pressed his ear lightly to the wood—no movement, no footsteps, nothing to suggest anyone was inside. He tried the doorbell. Still nothing. Just as he stepped back, the door to his left cracked open. An older woman peeked out, offering an apologetic, almost hesitant smile. “Are you looking for Mira?”
“Yes,” Evan said quickly. “Have you seen her? Or my wife—Lara? I’m trying to find her.” The neighbor’s expression shifted with recognition. “Oh… Yes, maybe. Someone did come by last night.” She lowered her voice, as if sharing something delicate.