The first thing Lyle saw when he opened the door was a perfectly wrapped box with a bow that was placed on his bed.
Since the lights from the hallway were able to illuminate his room, he did not bother to flick on the switches as he intended to pick up the gift and leave.
When he absent-mindedly picked up the box, he felt that something was off and gave the box a light shake.
"It's empty?" thought Lyle as he looked at the box. He looked at the small card that was on the present and read it out.
"Dear Lyle, Happy Birthday to my eldest son. I hope this will bring you as much happiness as she brought me...Love, Dad."
His eyes went wide and he slowly lifted his head. That was when he saw the shadowy figure of a woman who was standing next to his bookshelf.
Her back was facing away from him as she looked at the books on the shelf. When she finally turned, Lyle noticed that she was wearing a mask.
Unable to believe his eyes, Lyle asked softly, "Who...are you?"
