Emily's eyes fluttered open, and she sat up in bed. The room was dark, except for a faint moonlight glow. She felt a presence in the room, watching her.
"Mama?" Emily whispered, her voice trembling.
Suddenly, a soft whisper replied, "Shh, Emily. Go back to sleep."
Emily's heart skipped a beat. Who was in her room?
Emily's eyes adjusted to the darkness, and she saw a figure standing beside her bed. The figure stepped closer, revealing a gentle face.
"Grandma?" Emily whispered, surprised.
Her grandmother smiled and sat beside her. "I couldn't sleep, dear. I wanted to see you."
Emily snuggled into her grandmother's warm hug. "I love you, Grandma."
As they hugged, Emily felt a sense of safety and comfort.
But Liam and Alexandra, listening from downstairs, exchanged worried glances.
"Did you hear that?" Alexandra whispered. "It sounds like Emily's talking to someone."
Liam's brow furrowed. "But she's alone in her room..."
Liam and Alexandra crept upstairs, trying not to wake Emily. Outside her room, they listened.
Emily's voice was barely audible: "Grandma, tell me a story."
A soft, gentle voice replied, "Once upon a time, in a land far, far away..."
Liam and Alexandra exchanged a confused glance. Who was in the room with Emily?
They slowly opened the door, and their hearts skipped a beat. Emily's grandmother wasn't there. Emily sat alone, eyes closed, smiling.
"Grandma?" Emily whispered, "your stories are the best."
Liam and Alexandra's faces reflected concern and wonder.
Liam and Alexandra stepped into the room, trying to process what they were witnessing. Emily's eyes remained closed, her face serene.
"Emily, sweetie, who are you talking to?" Alexandra asked gently.
Emily's eyes fluttered open, and she smiled. "Grandma. She's telling me stories."
Liam and Alexandra exchanged a glance. They hadn't told Emily about her grandmother's recent absence.
"Emily, Grandma isn't here," Liam said softly.
Emily's expression didn't change. "Oh, yes, she is. She's right here."
Suddenly, Emily's gaze shifted, and she looked directly at something beside her.