Four O’Clock

The bell rang every afternoon at four, though the house had been empty for a year. Neighbours hired Imani to change the lock and find the cause. Inside, she found dust, covered furniture, and a dining table set for two. The bell was connected to a thin wire running through the wall. At four it rang while she watched. There was no ghost, only a tug from somewhere below. Imani photographed the wire and followed it carefully toward the cellar stairs.