Ava's breath caught in her throat as the doll sat upright, its single eye gleaming in the dim light. The room's atmosphere grew heavier, the air thick with an unseen presence. The whispers that once surrounded her had ceased, replaced by an oppressive silence that pressed against her ears.
She took a cautious step back, her gaze fixed on the doll. Suddenly, the mobile above the crib began to spin wildly, its soft lullaby playing in reverse. The distorted melody sent chills down her spine.
Ava reached for the door handle, her fingers trembling. It turned effortlessly this time, and she stumbled into the hallway, gasping for air. The corridor was darker than before, the walls seeming to close in on her. She could feel the house watching, waiting.
Determined to find a way out, Ava moved swiftly, her footsteps echoing unnaturally. As she passed a mirror, she caught a glimpse of her reflection - or what should have been her reflection. Instead, a shadowy figure stood in her place, its hand pressed against the glass, mirroring her movements with a delay.
Heart pounding, Ava turned away, only to hear the faint sound of footsteps behind her. She wasn't alone.