Shadows on Cobblestones

José kicked a pebble down the narrow cobblestone street, watching it bounce between the white-washed walls of his neighborhood in Andalucía. The afternoon sun warmed his shoulders through his light bomber jacket as he wandered aimlessly, enjoying the freedom of a Saturday with no homework.

A man and woman walked ahead of him, moving with unusual purpose toward the old part of town. José had never seen them before. The woman clutched her husband's arm tightly, glancing over her shoulder every few steps. Something about their nervous energy made José curious.

They turned toward the abandoned Herrera house—a crumbling mansion everyone avoided. José's footsteps slowed. The couple disappeared through the rusted iron gate.

José crept closer, his heart beginning to race.

The Music Box's Call

José stepped through the rusted gate, his sneakers crunching on dead leaves. The air grew colder with each step toward the house. Strange scratching sounds echoed from inside the walls, like fingernails on wood.

He crept closer to a broken window and peered in. The couple stood in a dusty room, whispering urgently to empty corners. The woman held a small music box that played a haunting melody.

José leaned forward to hear better. His foot caught on a loose stone, sending it clattering across the courtyard. The sound rang out like a bell.

Both strangers spun around. Their eyes found José immediately.

"There!" the man shouted. "Grab him!"

Before José could run, strong hands seized his arms and dragged him inside.