Investigating
Back at Zed's house, Alice wandered into the living room.
-Why does this place feel like it's holding its breath?
Flower sat up straighter.
-Don't start with the ghost stories, Alice, you'll ruin the vibe Betty worked so hard to build.
-It's not ghosts, it's just... unsettlingly quiet, Alice muttered.
Betty froze mid-crunch, a single chip hovering near her lips.
-Did you hear that? It sounded like a tiny rustle coming from the hall! Betty asked enthusiastically. Do you think Deb snuck in and is hiding in the linen closet?
-You're excited? Betty, that's a trespasser, not a surprise guest at a birthday party, she snapped, though she stepped closer to the closet door.
-But imagine the drama!
Flower rose from the sofa.
-A trespasser? Or perhaps just a very misplaced soul seeking shelter, she murmured, walking toward the closet with measured steps. She placed a hand on the door.
Alice hovered right behind Flower.
-Or more thieves checking for valuables, stop treating this like a spiritual journey and just open the damn door, Alice hissed.
Betty tiptoed along beside them.
-Let's hope it's neither a thief nor a ghost, but simply a mischievous friend, Flower whispered as she opened the closet door, revealing nothing but stacked towels and several rows of freshly laundered sheets.
-See? Nothing but lint and fabric softener, Alice scoffed, though she didn't relax her stance.
Betty peered in.
-Maybe she's hiding behind the extra pillows?
-There's nobody here, girls; the energy is completely empty, Flower said, sounding disappointed.
-I can see why Zed likes it in here so much, Betty said as she looked at the pillows and blankets on the floor where Deb had stayed.
Betty knelt down, stroking the fabric of a discarded duvet.
-They look so soft and well-used! She’s been nesting here, Betty said. Deb always liked confined places.
-The woman treats privacy like a suggestion rather than a rule, Alice grumbled.
Betty giggled, reaching down to fluff one of the rumpled pillows.
-Hopefully her time at Ednin's will help with that, Flower said. Boundaries are such important lessons.
-Boundaries won't fix someone who thinks breaking into houses is a hobby, Alice countered, casting a final, judgmental look at the linen closet.
Betty went back to the kitchen, her mood instantly lifted again.
-Perhaps she just needed a sanctuary away from the noise, Flower said.
-Sanctuary or not, she left a mess, Alice scoffed.
-Even a chaotic spirit needs a place to rest, Alice, don't be so harsh on her, Flower said, going to join Betty in the kitchen.