I woke up that morning with a note from Daddy on the edge of my bed. Frowning down at it, I sighed. Daddy would be out for most of the day, leaving me with chores to do.
Rosemary,
I apologize for my absence today, but I have to attend a very important work meeting. Please do some of the chores on the enclosed list, dress, and feed yourself. While the manor is mostly yours to explore when you're finished, I ask that you refrain from going into the basement due to some unfinished floors. I will return at three pm with a reward for your hard work.
-Mr. Blackwell.
The letter was very formal, throwing me off immediately, but I didn't think much of it after that. Daddy must be tired from all of the meetings he was having lately. There was a big deadline looming so he had spent many hours cooped up in his office and out at meetings. He had always been there when I'd woken up.
I grudgingly dressed myself, putting on some overalls and a blue t-shirt. Breakfast was some oatmeal with bananas, but I quickly ran out of chores after that. I was a diligent worker when I had a motive, but this time it as coming around to bite me in the butt. I decided to take Daddy's advice and explore, mostly finding guest rooms and the occasional linen closet. I read books for a while, eating a quick snack between novels
After lunch I was thoroughly bored. I glanced at the door that lead down to the basement, curiosity itching at me. I knew I wasn't supposed to, but a little peek wouldn't hurt, would it? Ninja-tippy-toes style, I crept up to the door, easing it open. The stairs had been finished and the walls were painted a deep red color. I flicked on the lights and tip toed down the carpet. A long hallway met me, lined with mostly empty doorways leading into unfinished storage areas. One door stood alone at the end of the hallway, drawing me towards it. I skipped over and tried the knob, it was locked. Frowning, I let go and walked back upstairs, right into Daddy.
He stood, arms crossed in front of him, a reprimanding look on his face. I paled with a sheepish smile.
"Whoopsies," I mumbled, glancing down at his shoes. The floor was shining with my exemplary cleaning job and I prayed that he would let me off for my hard work. He lifted my chin so that I was forced to look into his dark, brooding eyes.
"What did you find down there?" He asked, the question seeming to have a hidden meaning. I flushed, my fingers fidgeting,