"You're brave."

Victoria twirled around at the sound of the gruff voice. "Excuse me?" she asked, confused.

"You two are awfully brave to buy this place. I am sure you've heard the stories."

The speaker came out of the shadow of the hedge her husband was trimming and into the sunlight. He was a man in the final years of his life, with sagging skin and a distinct hunch. He limped closer to her, relying heavily on his cane for balance.

Her eyes met those of her husband, whose evident confusion and wariness matched her own.

"Actually, we haven't," Dan replied.

A glimmer of something shown in the old man's glossy eye. "Ah, yes, you're new to town, I'd heard. Well, then, mind some enlightenment? I've lived in this town from the day I arrived on this earth and it's where I plan to depart it. There isn't much happened these last seven decades that I don't recall as plainly as the day they happened. Delhaven is a rather quiet town, with few exceptions. Just about every 'exception' I can recall has some link or another to this very home, 243 Magnolia Lane. Quite the coincidence, I reckon."

Victoria and Dan shared an amused glance, before she retorted, "Great story. Excuse us, we were just--"

"Now, I realize this all comes off as a bunch of ghost stories or what have you. See that house about a half block away? Red with a yellow door? Lived there all of my life. Bought it from my parents after my medical practice took off, helped them retire. I've known every person lived on this street. Most stick around, and who could blame them? But let me tell you something. This house has been abandoned for some time, and for good reason. I'm not usually one to speak so candidly to complete strangers, forgive me. You look like good people. Maybe you'll heed my advice, but probably you won't. Just as long as you were warned."

"Warned about what, exactly?" Dan asked.

"Every person I've known to occupy this house has met with rather unfortunate circumstances. Some were victims of strange deaths much before their time. Some were left penniless and distraught. Others simply disappeared, with no explanation, not a word to another living soul. Now, I've never considered myself a superstitious person. I'm a man of logic, reason. But I must tell you, there are some things you see in life that just defy any rule of logic I'm privy to. This house, and its previous tenants, are one of those things. I cannot explain the things I've witnessed, nor will I try. I will simply leave you with this: Something awaits you inside of this lovely home you purchased, and it is not something to be toyed with. This home has its demons, and it is best you just leave them be. Cut your losses now, before it's too late."

With that, he turned abruptly, and began his arduous walk home.