Contents
Chapter 9
Overview
As the storm intensifies, Casey spots a flashlight glowing inside her powerless shed, confirming an intruder on her property. With phones down and no help coming, she debates fleeing but refuses to abandon her home. She resolves to confront the shed, escalating the tension and isolating her further.
Summary
While cooking pasta sauce during a worsening storm, Casey notices a light shining from her toolshed. Remembering earlier glimpses at her window and near the shed, she recognizes this as confirmation that someone is outside, since the shed has no power or light bulb.
She considers calling the police but realizes the phone lines are down, cutting off all contact, including to neighbor Lee. Turning off her kitchen lights to see better, she confirms the steady glow in the shed and imagines potential danger, from a drifter to a violent intruder.
Casey weighs fleeing in her truck to find a hotel against ceding her home to a trespasser. Although anxious and aware of the risks, she rejects abandoning her property and acknowledges she cannot sleep while a stranger lurks nearby.
Resolute, Casey decides to go out into the storm and check the shed herself, accepting the danger in favor of reclaiming control over her space.
Who Appears
- CaseyAlone during the storm, spots a flashlight in her powerless shed and decides to investigate despite phones being down.
- Unknown intruderImplied presence in the toolshed, indicated by a flashlight shining from within.
- LeeNeighbor Casey regrets not asking for help; unreachable due to phone outage.