**Uncovering the Truth**

As I sat on the couch, Emily by my side, I felt a lump form in my throat. I had been trying to hold it together, but the weight of my grief was becoming too much to bear. I took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm myself down. "I'm just so lost, Emily," I said, my voice shaking. "I feel like I'm going crazy. I keep thinking I see things, hear things, but whenever I turn around, there's no one there." Emily put a comforting arm around my shoulders. "You're not going crazy, Noa. You're just grieving. It's a hard process, and it can feel overwhelming. But you're not alone. I'm here for you." I looked up at her, tears welling up in my eyes. "I just miss her so much," I said, my voice cracking. "I miss my mom so much. I feel like a part of me is missing, like I'll never be whole again." Emily pulled me into a hug. "I know, sweetie. I can only imagine how hard this must be for you. Losing a parent is one of the toughest things you'll ever go through. But you're strong, Noa. You've always been strong." I pulled back and looked at her, tears streaming down my face. "I just wish I could talk to her again," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "I wish I could ask her all the questions I have. I wish I could tell her how much I love her." Emily held me close again. "I know it's hard, but you have to be patient. You have to give yourself time to heal. And in the meantime, you have me. I'm here to listen, to support you, to help you through this." I took a deep breath and let it out slowly, trying to calm myself down. "I just feel like there's something off about this house," I said, looking around the room. "I know it sounds crazy, but I feel like something is watching me." Emily looked around the room, her eyes scanning the space. "I don't know, Noa. I've never felt anything like that before. But if it makes you feel any better, we can search the house again. Maybe there's something we've missed." I nodded, feeling a sense of determination wash over me. "Yeah, let's do it. I need to know what's going on." Emily stood up and pulled me up with her. "Okay, let's do this. We'll search the house from top to bottom. And if we don't find anything, we'll keep searching until we do." I smiled, feeling a sense of gratitude towards my friend. "Thanks, Emily. I don't know what I'd do without you." Emily smiled back. "You'll never have to find out, because I'm not going anywhere."