Marla's heart pounded in her chest as the sudden thunderous strike rattled the secluded house. The blinding flash of lightning illuminated the room, casting eerie shadows against the walls. Maurice's cries of pain echoed through the darkness, filling Marla with a sense of dread.
"Maurice!" Marla called out, her voice tinged with panic. She groped through the darkness, her hands trembling as she searched for her daughter's unconscious form. But the thunder and lightning continued to rage outside, adding to the chaos within.
As Maurice's cries subsided, Marla's fear only grew. She knew that time was of the essence; they couldn't afford to fail now, not after coming so far. With determination fueling her every step, Marla pressed on, refusing to let fear hold her back.
Finally, her fingers
