Chapter 2: A Night Under the Stars

The night air was filled with the sweet scent of blooming flowers and the sound of crickets as Nathan, Sophia, and Avery sat down to enjoy their picnic. The warm glow of the string lights that Nathan had hung around the yard added a magical touch to the evening. Avery was bubbling with excitement, chattering on about her favorite foods and her plans for the town festival. As they sat there, Nathan couldn't help but feel a sense of contentment. This was his life now - a life he had built with the people he loved. He glanced over at Sophia, who was smiling at him, her eyes shining with happiness. He reached out and took her hand, feeling a deep connection to her. Just then, Avery jumped up from her seat, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Can we have a stargazing party, Daddy?" she asked, tugging on Nathan's arm. Nathan laughed and stood up, helping Avery set up a blanket and some pillows on the grass. As they lay down to gaze at the stars, Sophia snuggled up close to Nathan, and Avery snuggled up between them. The night sky was filled with stars, and the constellations twinkled like diamonds against the dark blue. As they lay there, Nathan pointed out the different constellations to Avery, telling her stories about the myths behind them. Sophia listened intently, her head on Nathan's shoulder. The night air was peaceful, and the only sound was the occasional hooting of an owl in the distance. But as they lay there, Nathan couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. He glanced around the yard, but everything seemed quiet. He chalked it up to his imagination and settled back into the moment. As the night wore on, Avery drifted off to sleep, lulled by the sound of her parents' gentle voices. Nathan and Sophia sat up, watching their daughter sleep peacefully under the stars. "I think I'm going to have to get up early tomorrow," Sophia said, yawning. "I have a meeting with the school board to discuss the new literacy program." Nathan nodded, wrapping his arm around her. "You'll do great, as always. I'm so proud of you." As they sat there, Nathan heard a faint rustling in the bushes. He turned to Sophia, his eyes narrowing. "Did you hear that?" Sophia listened intently, her brow furrowed. "Hear what?" Nathan shook his head, standing up to investigate. "I must have imagined it." But as he walked over to the bushes, he saw a piece of paper caught in a branch. He picked it up, his heart racing. It was a note, scribbled in hasty handwriting. "Meet me at the old oak tree at midnight," the note read. "Come alone." Nathan's eyes scanned the yard, but there was no one in sight. He felt a shiver run down his spine as he realized that their peaceful night under the stars was about to be disrupted.