I got married far from my family. Between work and the endless responsibilities at home, I barely had time to breathe — let alone take care of my sick father-in-law.
When I found out that my best friend was desperately looking for a job, it seemed like fate.
I trusted her completely. She was kind, responsible, and we had shared everything since childhood.
So I offered her a job as our housekeeper.

At first, everything was perfect.
The house was spotless, the meals were ready on time, and my father-in-law seemed calmer than ever.
But after a few weeks, strange things began to happen.

My father-in-law, who could barely get out of bed before, suddenly came to life.
He woke up early, humming old songs, smiling to himself like a man with a secret.
It was as if he had become ten years younger overnight.

My friend, on the other hand, was fading.
Her skin grew pale, dark circles appeared under her eyes, and her smile became forced.
When I asked if she was all right, she whispered:
— “I’m fine, just tired.”
But her eyes told another story — one of fear.

Some nights, I noticed her room was empty.
In the morning, she’d come back exhausted, moving quietly, avoiding my father-in-law’s gaze.
It began to feel like something dark was happening right under my nose.

Then one afternoon, my father-in-law said something that froze my blood.
“I want to remodel my room,” he said calmly. “I need soundproof walls. And a lock on the inside.”
My husband laughed, thinking it was one of his eccentric ideas.
But I saw something else in his eyes — something unsettling.

That night, I couldn’t take it anymore. I pulled my friend aside and begged her to tell me the truth.
Her hands trembled. Her lips quivered. And then she whispered:
— “He comes to my room at night…”
She stopped, but tears streamed down her face.
— “At first, he just wanted to talk. Said he was lonely. Then… I couldn’t stop him anymore.”

I felt my whole body go numb.
The old man we had been caring for — frail, quiet, harmless — had crossed a line I couldn’t even imagine.
“Why didn’t you tell me earlier?” I asked.
— “Because he’s your family,” she said through tears. “I thought you wouldn’t believe me.”

The next morning, I gave her money and a train ticket.
She left without saying goodbye.
My father-in-law, however, was cheerful the entire day, humming softly under his breath.
That evening he said, almost casually:
— “Don’t forget about that soundproofing. I really need it.”

Since then, the house hasn’t felt the same.
At night, I hear whispers coming from his room.
When I open the door, he’s alone — sitting in the dark, smiling faintly.

One morning, I caught a familiar scent in the air — perfume.
The same perfume my friend used to wear.
It lingered there, as if she had just passed by.

And sometimes, when the night is quiet, I swear I hear him whisper her name.
And then — a soft, almost human sigh answers back.