MY TODDLER WAS WATCHING TV LIKE THIS—AND HIS GESTURE MADE ME TURN IT OFF IMMEDIATELY (4 of 5)

“Okay, that’s enough TV for today,” I said, reaching for the remote to turn it off once more.

“No,” Oliver said, almost in a pleading tone. His voice sounded… different again, but I couldn’t place why. His expression wasn’t angry or upset—he just looked sad, almost as if he were asking me to leave the room and leave things alone.

But I couldn’t leave it alone. I had to know what was going on. Something wasn’t right, and I was determined to figure it out.

“I’m going to check something,” I said firmly, trying to keep my voice steady.

I took the remote from his tiny hands and turned the TV off again, this time refusing to let it back on. He stared at me, his eyes wide but almost… resigned, as if he knew he couldn’t stop me.

As I stood there, my mind racing with questions, I noticed something else—something far more disturbing. There was a faint glow coming from beneath the door to the basement.

My heart skipped a beat.

The basement. I’d never liked it down there. There was something unsettling about the space, an old house with creaky floors and low ceilings. But I’d never thought much about it, until now. Now, that faint glow felt like a beacon, drawing me closer, whispering for me to come down.

I turned back to Oliver. “I’m going to check something, okay? Stay right here.”

He nodded, his eyes never leaving mine.