It didn't take them long as Janice makes a last turn down the slope, heading towards their home. Which was about 10 miles away from town. Most of the town folks here likes to stay a little further up the snow-capped mountains away from town - it gives them the comfort and privacy to be closer to the forest - and it’s so soothing breezy over there too. By now the sun has fully set and darkness begins to engulf the horizon and the constellations are now clearly visible across the moonlit sky. Candice felt nostalgic as she recognizes the front yard of their home - exactly the same it was since she left 3 years ago.

'Wow...certainly much hasn't changed on our house since I left.'

'Indeed sis...we like to keep it that way for you. Even your room too. Makes it easier for you to settle in back with us.'

'Thanks sis, I wonder whether dad really misses me.'

'Speaking of dad - he's just right over there.'

Janice pointed to their dad standing at the porch apparently waiting for them. Candice got out of the car as soon as Janice parks it at the front porch and rushes forward to meet her father as she calls for him. They quickly embraced in a long hug as if her father fears that she will leave them again in the next minute

'Welcome home sunshine - it's so good to see your bunny face again', said Billie Emmelton.

'Well what did I told you', added Janice with a chuckle.

'It's so good to see you again too dad.'

All three embrace again as if the world are about to end tomorrow as well.

'Ok - I think that's enough. My ribs felt like it's going to break.'

The sisters gave a good laugh.

'Come on girls - dinner is ready to be served.'

'Right away...wait I'll go grab my bags first.'

'Hurry hun...the salmons are not gonna wait', said the elder sister.

Candice acknowledges as she rushes back to the back seat of the truck to remove her stuff. While she's at it, she pauses as she look out at the forest just a couple of yards out - all of a sudden - she realizes how quiet it has become. She no longer hears the hooting of the owls nor the clicking sounds of insects anymore - only the gentle breeze as it sways the branches and rustles its leaves.

Candice couldn't help it but seems to notice a glowing tinge of a yellowish light floating among the back of the trees, circular like the moon, except that the moon is shining brightly on the opposite direction. It seems to pulsate too - just like a lamp switch turning on and off. She tries to peer closer at the strange anomaly - but before long...it was gone - just the backdrop of trees swaying in the darkness again like nothing has ever happened. She taught to herself. 'Wow...I didn't know we have UFO's in our backyard too.'

Billie was frantic and busy at the kitchen, removing plates and cutlery as he puts them hastily on the dining table while Janice arranges them for 3 pax. Billie tosses and turned the nicely cooked salmons over the frying pan with some buttery sauce like some sassy chef - while he stirs the pot of mushroom soup filled with croutons and oregano leaves with the other hand. The smell filled with pungent aroma.

Seeing it fully cooked and satisfied, Janice grabs hold of the pot but almost drops it due to its weight.

'Careful over there tough lady - I won't want you to stress yourself out with that big tummy of yours.'

'Chill dad - I can work just as fine even if I am almost due.'

Candice was quick to interject as she walks in through the front door and drops her bags on the side of the carpet. She knew what her dad meant and quickly rushes in to help her elder sister.

'Yah...I think dad is right, you shouldn't overwork yourself.'

'I am fine sis...see I can carry these po-ta-toes too.'

'Uh...uh...no...no...you should sit down - while I will help dad out', smiled Candice as she took the plate of baked potatoes away from her.

Janice reluctantly agrees as she halts abruptly and surrenders to her favorite oak chair while she tries to stretch out like a big fat cat that just woke up from her litter box. Billie caught up with the whole scene with one quick look, deep in his heart - he was contented to see his family are together - as one again.

'Ladies...dinner is finally served.'

'Oh I can't wait - I am sorry', Janice tries to attack the deliciously cooked salmon with her fork as her father quickly slaps her hand.

'Prayers first - daughter.'

Candice giggled again as the trio puts down their cutlery and say their prayers in synchronicity . Billie ends with, 'we thank you lord for your blessings and for returning my daughter back home safely, amen.'

'Oh sorry I can't wait', Janice grabs her fork and attacks the salmon again.

The trio laughed together.

'You know you are really lucky sis, dad never cook liked this before, what a truly special occasion today.'

The trio finished the lavish meal so quickly that not even one drop of soup or any leftovers remaining as if it was their last meal on earth. Billie grabs a bottle of red wine nearby and pours them out for his daughters.

'So how's college so far?'

'Its good dad, I managed to score some good credits on mathematics and not forgetting on forensic studies as well', said Candice.

'Forensics? Wow I am impressed...I am a little short handed in my department - probably you could help me out with some cases.'

'Really? I would love too but I guess I would like to sign up as a ranger instead - I really...really missed the woods.'

'Ranger heh? Have you spoken with Nicky yet?'

'Yes I have...he told me to drop by tomorrow to fill-up some paperwork and then he will make me Ranger right after that.'

'Just like the old times eh…sis?', Janice winks at her younger sister.

'Why don't you girls enlighten me about that?'

Candice and Janice chuckled again.

'No dad...it's our little secret...right Candice?', she hints at the roses that laid on the couch.

Suddenly Candice recalls. 'Dad...what happened to Misses Halloway's diner? We saw it cordoned with police tapes and your deputies were there too today.'

'Yah dad - we saw them questioning her husband.' added Janice.

'About that one...I am totally confused as well.' Billie took a long moment of pause before Candice interrupts and snaps his trance.

'Dad...is everything alright?'

'I am not particularly sure myself after what has happened. Misses Halloway was gruesomely murdered.'

The sisters gasped for a moment before Janice ventured. 'Are you sure dad? Murder is uncommon in this town. This town is as peaceful as it gets in a community.'

'I am not entirely sure anymore after what I have just witnessed. Whoever or whatever did that to her was just inhumane.'

Billie eyes reddened as if his tears were about to fall, he took another long pause - took a sip of wine before he stood up beside the kitchen door and stared through its windows as if deep in thoughts. Suddenly he thought he saw a small but an unmistakable yellowish glow floating across the woods. The sisters glanced at each other as they try to comprehend what their father is interpreting.

'No matter what happens...I want you girls to keep your bedroom doors and windows locked at all times - no exceptions until we figured out what's going on in this town.'

It was almost 12 midnight as Janice already gone early to bed while Candice remembers one last errand before she finally calls it a day. She walks past her dad quietly sitting on the couch puffing over his pipe and looked deep in his thoughts again reading a book - her dad notices her tip toeing and saw the white roses clasped between her hands.

'Make it quick - it's already late.'

'Yes dad...it won't be long I promised.'

Candice took a short stroll at her backyard as she felt the cold breeze stinging her cheeks. She curses as she forgets to put a sweater on - but knowing that her dad might grumble at her negligence - she proceeds on anyway without further delay. Before long she saw that familiar slab of white granite on the ground - she didn't need a flashlight as the moon was so brightly lit that the words were plain for her to see.

'Here lies Emma Emmelton, beloved wife and beautiful mother, passed away peacefully on 13 August 2016.'

Candice bends forward to lay down the flowers on the empty vase as she brushes off some dirt and dried leaves.

'I am here mum...I missed you so badly.' Tears begins to fall from her cheeks.

'I hope wherever you are...you are always happy and sound.'

'No she's not.'

Candice jumped as she turned around at the direction of the soft but distinct female voice. There was no one there to be found except herself. She still sees her dad sitting on the couch smoking his pipe casually in the living hall. 

She looked around frantically again before she calls out loudly. 'Who's there?!' All she can hear were more whistling of the wind and more leaves rustling in the strong breeze. She looked around desperately again and tries to run back to the house when she trips on a stone and fell down and bump her head.

'Are you alright?' She looked on with utter astonishment.

'Are you alright sunshine?' said her father again as he helps her to her feet.

'Yah I am fine dad'.

'What happened? I heard you calling out loudly.'

'Probably nothing. Goodnight dad.'

Candice hurries back to the house as her father gave her a long puzzled look from behind. He took a long look at his wife's name engraved on the smooth granite.

'Someday I will find out who did this to you.'

'No you won't.'

'Who's there!?' Billie swings his torchlight among the trees as he was 100% certain he heard a female voice distinctively. He paced and look around but all he could see were just tall pine trees swaying lazily in the darkness. 

'Am I losing it too?'