90 seconds.
The real 1542 Sycamore is just as dilapidated as I’d originally imagined it would be. It’s a crumbling mess, its roof groaning under the weight of too many years’ negligence. Adam and Kenji and I are standing just around the corner, out of sight even though we’re technically still invisible. There is not a single person anywhere, and the entire house looks abandoned. I’m beginning to wonder if this was all just an elaborate joke.
75 seconds.
“You guys stay hidden,” I tell Kenji and Adam, struck by sudden inspiration. “I want him to think I’m alone. If anything goes wrong, you guys can jump in, okay? There’s too much of a risk that your presence will throw things off too quickly.”
They’re both quiet a moment.
“Damn. That’s a good idea,” Kenji says. “I should’ve thought of that.” I can’t help but grin, just a little. “I’m going to let go now.”
“Hey—good luck,” Kenji says, his voice unexpectedly soft. “We’ll be right behind you.”
“Juliette—”
I hesitate at the sound of Adam’s voice.
He almost says something but seems to change his mind. He clears his throat. Whispers, “Promise you’ll be careful.”
“I promise,” I say into the wind, fighting back emotion. Not now. I can’t deal with this right now. I have to focus.
So I take a deep breath. Step forward.
Let go.
10 seconds and I’m trying to breathe 9
and I’m trying to be brave 8
but the truth is I’m scared out of my mind 7
and I have no idea what’s waiting for me behind that door 6
and I’m pretty sure I’m going to have a heart attack 5
but I can’t turn back now 4
because there it is 3
the door is right in front of me 2
all I have to do is knock 1
but the door flies open first.
“Oh good,” he says to me. “You’re right on time.”
