Happy Birthday to jack63kids! This one is for you.
"Azaria?" Mary called out into the house. "Where have you gone? I thought we were going on a walk?" She stopped a moment, listening. "Don't you remember?"
She walked silently through the darkened building, looking for signs that Azaria was still inside. She came to a halt. 'What if someone has broken in?' Trying to hold back such dark thoughts, she continued on her way, but with more caution than before.
Spying a poker, she lifted it, feeling safer now she had a weapon. "Zaria?" She called softly. "Where are you?"
There was no answer to her call. The house was silent, with no lights showing. Mary started to tremble. Azaria was missing, and John had not yet come home. Was this to do with Sherlock's work? Was she next?
Quickly Mary stopped those thoughts. "I will not be scared," she told herself. "John does sometimes work late, and Azaria may have gone out. There is nothing to be frightened of." Suddenly, a noise came from up the hall.
Having resolved to face whatever comes bravely, Mary walked up the hall and stopped outside the door. She put her ear to the keyhole, and listened closely. There was the sound of muffled whispers, and someone silencing them. Deciding the element of surprise was best, she threw the door open.
"Happy Birthday!"
