The Echo of Rain

Inside a dimly lit, quaint living room, showing the silhouette of a tall grandfather clock against the backdrop of a fierce storm outside. Judith Porter, in her late 60s, stands frozen near the door. Her left hand hovers in mid-air, partially reaching out as if to open the door completely. The room is cast in shadows due to the flickering light of a fireplace nearby, highlighting her tense expression.

The relentless ticking of the grandfather clock filled the room as Judith froze.

Detective Hargrove stands on the doorstep, illuminated by the porch light. He holds his hat slightly tipped in one hand, and rainwater drips off the brim. His eyes look intense but controlled. The background reveals the old wooden house façade with raindrops cascading off the eaves.

Detective Hargrove, resembling his father, arrived with news that would disrupt decades of silence.

Judith steps aside to allow Detective Hargrove in, her face a guarded mix of fear and curiosity. Inside the living room, the detective is slightly hunched as he steps in from the rain. He glances around the room with a scrutinizing yet respectful gaze, noting every detail.

Judith’s heart pounded as she let the detective in, the past threatening to surface.

Detective Hargrove pulls out a yellowed photograph, the focus is on his hand holding the photo. Judith, in the background, is barely holding her composure, her hand lightly trembling. The fireplace casts nervous shadows on her face, moments away from breaking her stoic façade.

A yellowed photograph unveiled memories Judith had buried deep.