The storm arrived just after nine.

What had started as steady rain earlier in the evening turned heavier, louder, until the wind began pushing against the windows in long, low gusts. I was in the guest room trying to read when the lights flickered once, twice, and then went out completely.

The darkness was sudden and total.

I sat still for a moment, listening to the rain hammer against the roof and the distant rumble of thunder. A few seconds later I heard movement downstairs — the careful sound of someone navigating familiar space in the dark.

“Ava?” Daniel’s voice carried up the stairs, calm but clear. “You all right?”...