The relentless rain had been a constant companion for days, turning the world outside into a blurred watercolor of grey. Ginny, a hood pulled low over her head, stepped out under the porch’s meager shelter, her faithful dog Sammy already a few meters ahead, tail wagging excitedly.

They headed towards the old pub, its beer gardens teeming with post-lockdown revelers, then veered into the park. It was blissfully empty here, save for a few other dog walkers, and Ginny found a bench to rest, letting Sammy off his leash to explore.

“Hello?” A soft voice made her jump, and Ginny looked up to see a young girl, no older than eleven, standing before her. “Um… hi? Are you ok?” Ginny asked, a prickle of unease starting to form. The girl, Margaret, or Maggie as she preferred, was oddly dressed for the downpour, in a delicate dress with no proper coat.

Maggie skipped off abruptly, leaving Ginny with a nagging worry. Sammy whined, mirroring her concern. “Shall we go and find her?” Ginny asked, clipping his leash back on. They searched for what felt like hours, but the girl had vanished without a trace. Defeated, and drenched, they eventually turned for home, a growing sense of foreboding settling over Ginny.