cracks

In the heart of a forgotten town, where the whispers of the past clung to the crumbling facades like faded memories, there stood an old, dilapidated mansion. Its once-grand walls were now marred by cracks, each one a testament to the passage of time and the weight of unspoken stories. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of decay, and the shadows seemed to move with a life of their own. But it was the largest crack, running from the ceiling to the floor in the main hall, that drew the attention of those who dared to venture within. It was said that the crack held a secret, a hidden truth waiting to be uncovered. One stormy night, a young woman named Elara stumbled upon the mansion. She was a writer, her mind always seeking the next story, the next revelation. Drawn by the mansion's eerie allure, she pushed open the creaking door and stepped inside. The crack in the hall caught her eye immediately. It was wider than she had expected, wide enough to glimpse something shimmering within. Curiosity piqued, Elara approached, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and excitement. As she reached out to touch the crack, a sudden gust of wind blew through the hall, sending a chill down her spine. The crack seemed to pulse, and for a moment, Elara thought she saw a flicker of light deep within its depths.