Silence

It drew her in.

The creaking sounds of the wooden floor under her feet, only made her excited. The windows letting in scratches of light, flashing before each antique.

Her eyes scanned the corners of each wall, spiderwebs hanging on the faded paint.

"You hit the jackpot, Hope," giggles seemed to pour out of her lips. Her eyes dancing with happiness, "These are so be-au-ti-ful!"

The dust lingered on her fingertips, her hands filled with precious pictures. How much would they sell for?

She was hungry for old and rugged things, to make them even more beautiful in her eyes. And maybe, even sell them for a hefty price.

Just the thought made her grin wider.

Her heart skipped and with palms against the wall, she heard them. Voices and footsteps coming from outside. 'I saw someone go in. The person was just acting odd and it struck me in a weird way, so I just had to call you, officer.'

Hope's eyes grew wide and panicked. Yikes. Not what she needed.

Her fingers quickly took all she could carry, and shoved them deep into her bag. Her head popped out of a broken window, her shoulders struggling to push through.

'Are you sure, Miss? I don't see anyone here.'

Hope made her way out, taking deep breaths. Her eyes dilated and her hands shaky.

"Hey, you! Wait!"

Gripping the insides of her pockets, she flashed the officer a concerned look, "How can I help you?"

"Have you seen someone go into this house? Even though, it's abandoned; It's still private property." There was suspicion in his eyes, but her lips were sealed. Because sometimes, Silence was her only friend.

"No, Officer. I'm just passing by," shoulders up in a shrug, she fluttered her eyes. "Out for a stroll, you know?"

Even though they each went their ways, she could still feel eyes upon her back. Her teeth gritted together and her fingers stroked the photo in her pocket tenderly.

"I know it's you," the voice was familiar, and healthy legs stepped in rhythm beside her.

A faint smile spread across her lips, and a chuckle escaped. "I don't know what you mean."

The rain echoed against the pavement, and eyes clashed.

"I'll let you off this time." The determination in his voice gave her shivers.

"And I won't say a thing." Her eyes glistened and her teeth shined against the peeking sun.

Her clothes were wet, and her hair was starting to stick out. But her day only looked brighter.

"Where have you been?" Her mother asked from the kitchen, and Hope only smiled.

Sometimes, Silence wasn't her only friend.