The Neighbor's Key

A spare key was supposed to make her feel safer. Instead, it gave him a way in.

When a violent storm damages Elise's home while her husband is away on business, the quiet older neighbor next door steps in to help. Harold repairs the roof, clears the water, and handles the little problems she can't manage alone.

Then he has a spare key made.

At first, his visits are innocent. A dripping faucet gets fixed. A loose step stops creaking. A cabinet handle is replaced. Harold comes and goes without asking for anything in return.

Elise knows she should take the key back.

She doesn't.

With her husband traveling more often, the empty house begins to feel different. So does the anticipation of hearing Harold's key turn in the lock. Curiosity becomes temptation. Temptation becomes a ritual neither of them bothers pretending is innocent.

Soon Elise isn't wondering whether Harold will let himself inside.

She's leaving the door unlocked and waiting for him.

But secrets are easy when there are only two people keeping them. When two pink lines appear on a pregnancy test, Elise is left with a question neither a locked door nor a hidden key can keep outside forever.