For three years, my neighbor Nelly lived in isolation, her secretive life raising curiosity. She had a child no one had ever seen, and one fateful day, a glimpse through her window changed everything.
Nelly had been reclusive since moving in while heavily pregnant, rarely stepping outside except for necessities. Despite the years, no one had ever seen her baby. My unease grew, though my husband Evan dismissed my concerns, calling her simply private.
One evening, I spotted a child’s face in her window, vanishing as quickly as it appeared. Determined to learn more, I tried reaching out, only for Nelly to react with fear. Even our neighbor Mrs. Freddie, known for her persistence, was rebuffed when she attempted to visit with a pie in hand.
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