NASA’s Stunning Discovery: 4-Billion-Year-Old Rock Reveals Mars’ Ancient Secrets

NASA’s Perseverance rover has once again amazed scientists with a groundbreaking discovery on Mars’ Jezero Crater—a 4-billion-year-old rock unlike any other previously found. This newly uncovered sample, named "Silver Mountain," presents unique textures and compositions, shedding new light on the geological history of the Red Planet. Researchers believe that this rock dates back to the Noachian era, a period marked by intense asteroid and comet bombardment, and may have resurfaced due to a mysterious ancient impact event millions of years ago.

The Significance of the Noachian Era

The Noachian era, which lasted from 4.1 to 3.7 billion years ago, was a time when Mars experienced frequent asteroid collisions that shaped its surface. This period is particularly significant because it coincides with a time when liquid water is believed to have existed on Mars, possibly supporting primitive life. The study of Noachian rocks provides essential clues about Mars’ ancient climate, past hydrological cycles, and the planetary processes that shaped its evolution.

The discovery of Silver Mountain is a major breakthrough in this quest, as its unusual features suggest it could be one of the oldest Martian surface materials ever analyzed. If confirmed, this rock could hold valuable information about the Red Planet’s early environment, including whether conditions were ever suitable for life.

Perseverance’s Role in Unraveling Mars’ Mysteries

Launched in 2020, NASA’s Perseverance rover is at the forefront of Mars exploration, tasked with collecting rock samples, analyzing soil composition, and searching for signs of ancient microbial life. Its mission is critical in understanding how Mars evolved over billions of years and whether it once harbored life.

The rover is equipped with advanced scientific instruments, including SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics & Chemicals) and PIXL (Planetary Instrument for X-ray Lithochemistry), which help examine the chemical and mineralogical composition of Martian rocks. By studying Silver Mountain, Perseverance could offer unprecedented insights into the geological history of Mars and refine our understanding of planetary evolution.

Additionally, rock samples collected by Perseverance are planned to be returned to Earth in a future Mars Sample Return mission, allowing for in-depth analysis using state-of-the-art laboratory equipment. This will provide further confirmation of whether Mars ever had conditions favorable for life.

The Future of Mars Exploration

NASA and other space agencies worldwide are ramping up their efforts to explore Mars in greater depth. The upcoming Sample Return Mission, planned in collaboration with ESA (European Space Agency), aims to retrieve rock and soil samples from Perseverance’s collection and bring them back to Earth by the early 2030s.

In addition to government-led missions, private space companies are also entering the race to explore Mars. Organizations such as SpaceX envision future human colonization, aiming to establish a sustainable human presence on the planet. This requires not only understanding Martian geology but also developing technology for in-situ resource utilization, such as extracting water from subsurface ice or generating oxygen from carbon dioxide in the Martian atmosphere.

Each discovery made by Perseverance brings humanity closer to answering one of the biggest questions in science: Was there ever life on Mars? And, perhaps more importantly, can humans one day call Mars home? With every rock sample, image, and analysis, we inch closer to unlocking the Red Planet’s ancient secrets and paving the way for the next era of interplanetary exploration.

Deep beneath the tranquil waters of Qiandao Lake in China's Zhejiang province lies an astonishing piece of history—Shicheng, or "Lion City." This once-thriving 600-year-old city has been hidden from view since 1959, when it was deliberately submerged to make way for the Xin’an River Dam and its hydroelectric station. Unlike the mythical lost city of Atlantis, Shicheng’s disappearance was intentional, yet it remains one of the world’s most mesmerizing underwater archaeological wonders.

A City Preserved by Water

Despite being submerged 40 meters (131 feet) underwater, Shicheng is remarkably well-preserved. The still, cold waters of the man-made lake have shielded the city's intricate architecture from the ravages of wind, rain, and sunlight. The lack of oxygen has also slowed decay, leaving stone structures and even wooden beams intact, offering a rare glimpse into the grandeur of Imperial China.

Shicheng’s origins date back to the Eastern Han Dynasty (AD 25–200), but it flourished under the Ming and Qing dynasties (1368–1912). The city was a bustling political and economic hub, filled with magnificent temples, memorial arches, wide streets, and grand courtyards. Today, its stone walls, towering gates, and intricate carvings of lions, dragons, and phoenixes still stand, frozen in time beneath the lake.

The History Behind Its Submersion

In 1959, the Chinese government embarked on an ambitious hydroelectric project to generate energy for the growing region. The construction of the Xin’an Dam created Qiandao Lake, a massive reservoir covering nearly 600 square kilometers (230 square miles). The project required the forced evacuation of 300,000 residents, many of whom had ancestral ties to the city dating back centuries.

Unlike many ancient cities lost to natural disasters or war, Shicheng's fate was sealed by progress. However, for nearly half a century, its story faded into obscurity, until modern technology allowed explorers to rediscover its hidden beauty.

Rediscovery and Exploration

Shicheng was "rediscovered" in 2001 when the Chinese government launched an underwater expedition to explore the ruins. Using advanced sonar and diving equipment, researchers captured hauntingly beautiful images of the submerged city. In 2011, Chinese National Geography published stunning visuals, reigniting public interest and paving the way for more exploration.

One of the city's most unique features is its five entrance gates, an unusual deviation from the traditional four-gate design of ancient Chinese cities. Explorers have also identified 265 archways, some dating back to 1777, adorned with exquisite carvings. These elements offer valuable insights into Ming and Qing dynasty architecture and city planning.

A Diver’s Dream

Today, advanced divers have the rare opportunity to explore this breathtaking underwater wonder. Between April and November, specialized dive expeditions operate, allowing experienced divers to navigate the city's submerged streets. However, due to low visibility and deep-water conditions, only those with night diving and buoyancy control experience are permitted to explore its depths.

Dive operators like Big Blue and Zi Ao Dive Club offer guided expeditions, but the city remains largely unmapped. As technology advances, researchers hope to create detailed 3D models of Shicheng, preserving its legacy for future generations.

A Time Capsule of Imperial China

Shicheng is more than just an underwater attraction—it is a cultural time capsule, offering a unique window into China’s past. The lake has unintentionally preserved a piece of history, protecting it from the erosion that would have occurred had it remained exposed on land.

While its submersion was a consequence of modernization, Shicheng’s rediscovery has sparked global fascination, blending archaeology, history, and adventure in one of the world’s most unique sites. Whether as a breathtaking dive site or a historical treasure waiting to be fully explored, Lion City continues to capture imaginations and whisper its stories from beneath the waves.

A Mother's Safety at Risk

Michael had always been protective of his elderly mother, Cathy. As she got older, mobility became an increasing challenge. First, she relied on a cane, then a walker, and eventually, she needed a wheelchair to move around safely.

Despite this change, Michael and his wife, Loretta, worked tirelessly to ensure Cathy’s home was safe. They installed a stairlift, grab bars, and anti-slip mats to prevent falls. They even hired Nicole, a professional caregiver, to assist with daily tasks.

So when Cathy began falling out of her wheelchair repeatedly, it raised major concerns.

At first, Cathy dismissed the incidents as clumsy accidents, reassuring her family that she was simply getting older and weaker.

But Michael wasn’t convinced.

How could she be falling so often when everything had been done to keep her safe?

Something wasn’t right.

Determined to get to the bottom of it, Michael installed hidden security cameras around the house. If Cathy wasn’t willing to admit what was happening, the footage would reveal the truth.

What he saw shattered him to his core.

The Footage That Changed Everything

Michael sat in front of his laptop, heart pounding, as he scrolled through the surveillance footage. He expected to see Cathy losing balance or slipping, but what he actually saw was far worse.

His hands trembled as he rewound the video, watching it again—this time frame by frame to make sure he wasn’t imagining things.

"Oh my God..." he whispered under his breath.

Loretta, hearing the shock in his voice, rushed over.

"Michael? What’s wrong?" she asked, concerned.

Michael’s face had turned pale as a sheet.

"You need to see this," he whispered, turning the laptop screen toward her.

The moment Loretta saw the footage, she gasped in horror, covering her mouth.

"This cannot be happening," she muttered. "We need to call the police!"

Michael, however, had another idea.

"No," he said, eyes dark with determination. "I’ve got a better plan."

Without a second thought, he grabbed his car keys and sped toward his mother’s house.

The Silent House and the Cold Chill of Fear

Michael’s heart hammered in his chest as he pulled into the driveway.

His mother had given him a spare key, so he didn’t bother knocking.

"Mom? Where are you?" he called out, stepping inside.

No response.

The house was eerily silent. The lights were still on, the door was unlocked, but Cathy was nowhere to be found.

A wave of dread washed over him.

Something wasn’t right.

"Is anyone here?" he asked, voice shaky.

Still—nothing.

Then, just as he turned the corner into the living room, he froze in place.

His breath hitched, and a cold shiver ran down his spine.

What he saw made his blood turn to ice.

With trembling hands, he grabbed his phone.

This time, he listened to Loretta’s advice—

He called the police.

How It All Began

Michael had thought back to how it all started.

Cathy had always been independent, even as her mobility declined. At first, she used a cane, then a walker, and finally, a wheelchair.

She struggled to accept the change, but Michael always reassured her:

"You're doing great, Mom. We're here for you."

He and Loretta visited daily, bringing meals, groceries, and checking in. They even hired Nicole, a professional caregiver, to help with daily tasks.

Nicole was highly recommended, had excellent reviews, and seemed genuinely kind.

At least, that’s what they thought.

Until Cathy began showing up with bruises.

The First Signs of Trouble

One afternoon, Loretta came home looking shaken.

"Honey, your mother…" she started, her voice trembling.

Michael’s heart dropped.

"What is it? Is she okay?" he asked, fear creeping into his voice.

Loretta hesitated, then finally blurted it out.

"She has bruises all over her arms and face."

Michael’s stomach twisted.

"What? How?"

"She says she fell out of her wheelchair… again."

Michael felt sick.

His mother wasn’t clumsy.

She was careful, cautious, always mindful of her movements. There was no way she could be falling this often—not without something else going on.

Hiring a Caregiver – A Decision They Would Regret

Determined to ensure Cathy’s safety, Michael made a crucial decision—

He hired a caregiver.

Nicole seemed perfect.

She was warm, soft-spoken, and experienced in elderly care.

Cathy liked her.

"She's very sweet," she had said. "I'm glad to have her help."

Michael checked in regularly, and for a while, everything seemed fine.

Until one day, when he dropped by unannounced—

And what he saw shook him to the core.

Another Bruise, Another Lie

Michael had stopped by to have tea with his mother, something they did often.

The moment she opened the door, his breath caught in his throat.

Cathy’s face was bruised again.

"Mom… what happened?"

Cathy sighed, looking away.

"It’s nothing, dear. I was just being clumsy again."

Michael felt a wave of frustration and fear wash over him.

"Mom, this is the third time this month. Something isn’t right."

Cathy forced a weak smile, but Michael could see the sadness in her eyes.

"Don’t worry so much, sweetheart. I’m just getting old."

But Michael wasn’t convinced.

And that night, he made a decision that would change everything—

He set up hidden cameras in the house.

And what they captured?

It changed everything.

 

The Footage That Shook Him to His Core

Michael couldn’t sleep that night.

The images from the footage played over and over in his mind, his mother’s frail form falling from her wheelchair, the sickening thud as she hit the ground.

But what haunted him most—

Nicole was the one pushing her.

Not an accident. Not a slip. Not clumsiness.

A deliberate shove.

And the worst part?

Nicole just stood there and watched.

She didn’t rush to help. She didn’t call for assistance.

She simply walked away.

Michael felt rage like never before.

He had trusted this woman.

"She had one job," he muttered, his fists clenched. "To care for my mother."

Loretta, sitting beside him, was equally shaken.

"We have to call the police," she insisted.

Michael hesitated for only a moment before nodding.

"First, I need to make sure Mom is okay."

And with that, he grabbed his keys and sped to his mother’s house.

---

A House Filled with Silence… and Fear

Michael burst through the front door, calling for his mother.

"Mom? Where are you?"

Silence.

A cold chill ran down his spine.

The house wasn’t right.

The lights were on, the door was unlocked, but there was no sign of Cathy.

"Mom, answer me!" he yelled, his voice echoing off the walls.

He moved quickly, checking the living room, the kitchen, her bedroom—nothing.

Then, he spotted something on the floor near her wheelchair.

His stomach dropped.

Blood.

A single drop, smeared on the tile.

His hands shook as he pulled out his phone.

This time, he did what Loretta had suggested all along—

He called the police.

---

The Investigation Begins

Within minutes, sirens blared outside.

Detective Harris, a tall man with sharp eyes, took the lead.

"Tell me everything," he said.

Michael wasted no time, explaining the hidden cameras, the footage, the bruises, and now, his missing mother.

Harris’s jaw tightened.

"Let’s check the footage."

They sat in front of the laptop, watching as the truth unfolded.

And what they saw?

It was worse than Michael had imagined.

---

A Sinister Motive Uncovered

The footage didn’t just show Nicole pushing Cathy.

It showed something else.

Something Michael hadn’t noticed before.

Nicole was going through Cathy’s belongings.

"What is she looking for?" Loretta whispered.

Michael’s blood ran cold.

He thought back to something his mother had mentioned weeks ago.

"You know, dear, I’ve had some old investments for years. I never touched them."

At the time, Michael had brushed it off.

Now, he realized—

Nicole must have overheard.

"She’s not just hurting her," Michael murmured. "She’s looking for something."

Detective Harris nodded grimly.

"We need to bring her in."

---

Nicole’s Arrest – But The Mystery Deepens

The next morning, Nicole arrived at Cathy’s house, pretending like nothing had happened.

But as she walked inside—

She was met with flashing red and blue lights.

"Nicole James, you are under arrest for elder abuse and suspected financial theft," an officer announced.

Nicole’s eyes widened in shock.

"What?! No, I didn’t—"

Her denials fell on deaf ears.

Michael stood nearby, watching as the woman he had once trusted was led away in handcuffs.

But one question still burned in his mind—

Where was his mother?

---

The Missing Piece of the Puzzle

The police began searching Nicole’s belongings, looking for anything that could explain her true motives.

What they found?

A detailed notebook.

Inside, Nicole had written dates, locations, notes about Cathy’s financial statements—and most chillingly, a list of times when Cathy was alone.

But that wasn’t all.

There were text messages.

"We can’t do it now."
"She’s always around."
"We have to wait for the right moment."

Michael’s stomach turned.

Nicole wasn’t working alone.

Someone else was involved.

"Who was she texting?" Detective Harris demanded.

A few minutes later, they had the answer.

"His name is Mark," an officer said. "Nicole’s… boyfriend."

Michael’s blood ran cold.

He had known Mark for years.

A trusted family friend.

"I can’t believe it’s him," Michael whispered.

And then, Detective Harris’s phone rang.

"We found Cathy."

---

The Final Confrontation

The officers arrived at a run-down motel on the outskirts of town.

Inside, they found Mark—along with Cathy.

She was shaken, but unharmed.

"Mom!" Michael rushed to her side, wrapping his arms around her.

Tears streamed down her face.

"I didn’t know what was happening," she whispered. "Nicole said she was taking me to the doctor… but then we came here. I was so scared."

Mark, standing in handcuffs, glared at the floor.

Detective Harris looked at him, disgusted.

"What was the plan, Mark?"

Mark hesitated, then finally muttered—

"The money. We thought she had money hidden. Nicole was supposed to… pressure her into telling us."

Michael’s hands curled into fists.

They had terrorized his mother over greed.

But now, it was over.

---

Justice Is Served

Nicole and Mark were both charged with elder abuse, financial exploitation, and kidnapping.

The judge didn’t go easy on them.

Michael and Loretta upgraded Cathy’s security. They hired a new, trusted caregiver, and arranged for a close friend to check in daily.

"You're never alone, Mom," Michael reassured her.

Cathy, holding her son’s hand, smiled through grateful tears.

"I don’t know what I’d do without you."

---

Final Thoughts – A Lesson for All Families

This case was a stark reminder—not everyone who seems kind can be trusted.

Elder abuse is far more common than people think.

If you suspect something isn’t right with a loved one—

Trust your instincts.

Protect those who can’t protect themselves.

Because family will always stand between you and the darkness.

 

Ryan had never considered himself a superstitious man. He was practical, methodical, and believed in logic above all else. So when he stumbled upon a once-in-a-lifetime real estate deal, he didn't hesitate.

The house was massive, with a sprawling garden, a spacious terrace, and a charming, rustic appeal. It was tucked away in a quiet suburban area, close to a beautiful lake and a dense forest. The kind of place where someone could settle down, grow old, and enjoy the serenity of life.

But the unbelievably low price should have been his first clue that something was off.

It had been abandoned for years. The real estate agent was vague about its past, brushing off questions with phrases like, "The previous owners moved away suddenly" and "It just needs a little work."

Ryan wasn't deterred. He loved DIY projects, and this house presented the perfect challenge. He imagined restoring its former beauty, making every inch of it exactly how he wanted.

So, he bought it.

And from the moment he stepped inside, he knew he had his work cut out for him.

The walls were cracked. The floors creaked with every step. Dust coated every surface, and the air inside carried a strange, musty scent.

None of that mattered to Ryan. He rolled up his sleeves, determined to bring the house back to life.

What he didn’t know was that the house had a life of its own.

It started innocently enough.

One evening, after a long day of renovations, Ryan sat outside in his garden, enjoying the warm glow of the setting sun. The air was crisp, the birds chirped softly, and for a moment, everything felt perfect.

Then he heard it.

A soft, rhythmic sound—a faint stomping noise from inside the house.

He dismissed it at first. Probably just the house settling, he told himself. Old houses always made strange noises.

But when he stepped back inside, the sound was gone.

He shrugged it off and continued working.

The next day, it happened again.

This time, Ryan was painting the walls of a small bedroom on the first floor. As he moved his paint roller up and down, he heard the sound again—a distinct stomping, coming from above.

He froze, holding his breath.

Was someone inside the house?

His heart pounded in his chest. He listened carefully, but the noise stopped just as suddenly as it had started.

“I’m just imagining things,” he muttered, shaking his head.

But deep down, he wasn’t so sure.

As the days passed, the noises became more frequent.

Ryan tried everything to figure out where they were coming from. He checked the attic, the basement, and even the old ventilation system.

Nothing.

There were no signs of rodents, no stray animals, no structural issues that could explain the sounds.

Yet, they persisted.

Late at night, he would hear soft whispers, almost like someone was crying.

And then, the whispers turned into something worse.

A voice.

A low, muffled voice from somewhere above him.

At first, he thought he was hallucinating. The stress of renovating the house was finally getting to him.

But then—the voice spoke again.

One evening, as Ryan was making himself a cup of coffee, a loud thud echoed from upstairs.

He dropped the mug, shattering it on the kitchen floor.

This was real.

He wasn't imagining it. Something was inside the house.

Gathering his courage, he ran upstairs, determined to put an end to this nightmare.

The moment he stepped into the hallway, the noise came back—louder than ever.

And this time, it was coming from the ceiling.

His pulse raced as he grabbed a hammer.

"Whatever this is, I’m going to find out."

He positioned himself under the source of the sound and swung the hammer into the ceiling.

The first hit cracked the plaster.

The second hit sent a chunk of concrete crashing down.

He widened the hole, his heart pounding.

And then, he saw something move inside.

Something—or someone—was up there.

Ryan peered inside the dark opening, his breath caught in his throat.

At first, he saw nothing but shadows.

Then, from the darkness, a voice emerged.

"We are finally free."

Ryan stumbled backward, his hammer slipping from his grasp.

As the dust settled, a pair of small figures crawled out of the hole.

His eyes widened in pure disbelief.

They were children.

Dirty, disheveled, and grinning mischievously.

The kids, no older than 10 or 11, burst into laughter.

“You should have seen your face!” one of them cackled.

Ryan’s fear quickly turned into confusion—and then frustration.

The children explained that they had been using the abandoned house as their secret hideout for years.

They had discovered a small hole in the roof, allowing them to sneak in and play whenever they wanted.

When Ryan bought the house, they weren’t happy about losing their playground.

So, they decided to scare him away by making noises, whispering, and stomping around when he was inside.

It had all been a prank—one that had gone way too far.

After his initial shock and anger, Ryan couldn’t help but laugh.

The kids had succeeded in terrifying him, but in the end, no harm was done.

Instead of scolding them, Ryan made them a deal—they could still play in his yard anytime they wanted.

The kids cheered, promising never to scare him again.

“But it was so much fun,” one of them grinned.

Ryan shook his head, grinning back.

"Next time, just knock on the front door, alright?"

Ryan let out a deep sigh of relief, shaking his head as he watched the kids burst into laughter. All of this—his sleepless nights, the paranoia, the hammer to the ceiling—had been a prank.

At first, he had been terrified, certain that he had stumbled upon something sinister or supernatural. But now, standing in the middle of his half-demolished ceiling, covered in dust and debris, he realized he had been outwitted by a group of mischievous neighborhood kids.

"You guys really had me thinking I was losing my mind," Ryan admitted, rubbing his temples.

"We just wanted to scare you a little!" one of the boys grinned. "We never thought you'd actually break the ceiling!"

Ryan let out a dry chuckle, still processing what had just happened.

The children, no older than ten or eleven, began explaining how they had used the abandoned house as their secret hideout for years.

"Nobody wanted this place," one of them said. "So we made it ours."

Through a hidden hole in the roof, they had climbed inside and used the empty attic as their clubhouse. They had brought flashlights, pillows, and even a stash of snacks.

"We didn't mean to make you go crazy," one girl giggled. "We just wanted to spook you so you’d leave."

Ryan couldn't help but be impressed—their dedication to the prank was incredible.

"Well, congratulations," Ryan said, still trying to shake off the nerves. "You nearly made me sell the place."

But just as he was about to send the kids on their way, something unsettling happened.

One of the boys looked up at the dark hole in the ceiling, his grin fading slightly.

"Wait," he mumbled. "Did you hear that?"

Ryan froze.

The kids all went silent.

A low, creaking noise echoed from inside the attic.

Ryan’s stomach twisted. The kids were all right here in front of him. So who—or what—was still up there?

One of the younger boys stepped back nervously.

"That's not us," he whispered.

Ryan’s hands tightened around the hammer still in his grip.

He had thought the mystery was over. But now, standing beneath that dark, gaping hole, he felt the hair on the back of his neck rise.

"Okay," Ryan muttered. "No more games. Who else is up there?"

But the kids looked just as terrified as he felt.

Investigating the Dark Attic

Determined to end this once and for all, Ryan grabbed a flashlight and a small ladder.

The kids backed away, their faces pale, watching as he hoisted himself up through the hole and into the attic.

The air inside was thick with dust, the wooden beams old and splintered. Ryan swept his flashlight around, his pulse thundering in his ears.

At first, he saw nothing but cobwebs and forgotten debris.

Then, in the farthest corner of the attic, something moved.

Ryan’s flashlight landed on it instantly—and his breath caught in his throat.

Nestled in the attic, hidden beneath a pile of old blankets, was a small, makeshift bed.

And beside it—a bundle of old, tattered clothing.

The realization hit Ryan like a truck.

Someone had been living here.

Ryan’s mind raced with possibilities.

The kids had used the attic as a play area, but this setup was different.

The blankets were carefully arranged, the clothing looked well-worn, and beside it, he spotted something that sent a chill down his spine—

A half-eaten, moldy sandwich.

Ryan’s stomach churned.

Whoever had been here hadn’t left long ago.

Ryan climbed back down, his face pale as a sheet.

"Did any of you actually sleep up there?" he asked, his voice shaky.

The kids shook their heads quickly.

"No way," one boy said. "It was just for fun—we never stayed long."

Ryan hesitated.

"Have you ever seen anyone else in there?"

The kids exchanged uneasy glances.

Then, one of them spoke.

"There was a man, once."

Ryan's stomach dropped.

"What do you mean, 'a man'?" he pressed.

The kids shifted uncomfortably.

"We don’t know who he was," the girl admitted. "We only saw him once… kind of. One time when we came in through the roof, we found old blankets in the corner. And… there was food. Like, fresh food."

Ryan’s skin crawled.

"So someone was living up there before I moved in?"

The kids nodded slowly.

"Yeah, but we never saw him. Just his stuff."

Ryan knew what he had to do.

That night, after the kids had left, he secured the attic entrance and called the police.

The next morning, an investigation confirmed his fears—

There were signs that someone had been living in the house… recently.

Scraps of food, footprints in the dust-covered attic, and even faint cigarette burns on the floorboards.

But whoever had been there was long gone.

After everything, Ryan couldn’t shake the eerie feeling that he had been sharing his home with an unknown guest.

Though he tried to convince himself it was just a squatter, something about it didn’t sit right.

Had someone been watching him all along?

Had they hidden in the attic while he lived below?

Ryan decided not to take any more chances.

Within a few weeks, he had finished the renovations… and promptly put the house back on the market.

He never told the buyers about the attic.

And as he drove away from what was supposed to be his dream home, he found himself glancing in the rearview mirror, half-expecting to see a figure watching him from the upstairs window.