“What was that?” I asked, my fork dropping onto the plate with a clatter as I turned toward Lia.
Lia blinked, her brow furrowing. “I don’t know.” Her voice wavered as she exchanged a glance with Andrea.
Before I could say anything more, another scream pierced the air, followed by a frantic “Oh my God!”
We all froze for a moment, dread sinking into the pit of my stomach. My hand gripped the edge of the table instinctively, knuckles white, before I slowly pushed my chair back. The wooden legs scraped against the floor, the sound sharp and unsettling in the sudden silence that followed the scream. I stood, curious to find out what was happening outside.
Lia and Andrea stood as well, their faces mirroring my own concern. Without a word, we moved in unison, hurrying out of the dining room a
