Emily immediately called the police, and we waited outside until officers arrived. They examined the entire property, including the bedroom window. Behind the curtains, they discovered a small photograph tucked into the frame. It showed Margaret standing in the garden, wearing an identical expression to the woman in our old family photograph. On the back were three words: “You were warned.” The officers took the photograph and arranged for the house to be examined. They found no intruder, no hidden person, and no explanation for the mysterious telephone calls.

I eventually moved into an apartment closer to Emily. I sold the house, donated most of our old belongings, and tried to forget everything. For months, nothing unusual happened. Then, on the anniversary of Margaret’s disappearance, my phone rang at 2:47 in the morning. The dispatcher asked whether I was safe. I told him I was fine. He paused and said, “Ma’am, someone just called from your old address. She says she’s standing outside your bedroom window.” I looked toward my dark window. A woman was standing there, holding a telephone. And this time, she was smiling.