Emily felt confused when she got an offer from the grandmother to stop by because the final decision was still in the hands of her boss, Daniel.

"Wait a minute, Grandma," Emily said and then passed by, tapping on the car window.

"What's wrong?" asked Daniel as he rolled down the window.

"The lady asked us to stop by her house for a while, sir," Emily replied nervously.

Daniel's fingers massaged his furrowed mid-brow. "Just decline. We have to go back now," he said firmly.

"But, sir..." interrupted Emily, her voice trailing off because of the hesitation that engulfed her.

"What else?" asked Daniel, with an annoyed look on his face.

Emily was afraid to go into the house, but she also felt bad about refusing the grandmother's request. Hesitantly, she said, "Shouldn't we go in for a while to honor her good intentions, sir? I can't bear to refuse."

Daniel felt annoyed with Emily. In his heart, there was a sense of discomfort and unwillingness to waste time with things he considered unimportant. Also, they had just gotten to know the grandmother, his mind catching on that something wasn't right. However, he did not fully understand why his mind was so turbulent.

Despite the discomfort in his heart, Daniel finally got out of his car and join Emily to enter the grandmother's house together.

Please sit down for a while. I'll be back soon with refreshments. You must be tired after the long journey here," she said kindly as she pointed to the sofa in the living room.

Finally, they accepted her offer and sat for a while in the living room. The grandmother lightly stepped into the kitchen, leaving them alone. Emily felt anxious as she looked around. Goosebumps ran through her body as she took in the quaint atmosphere of the room. The cracked walls, worn furniture, and gloomy atmosphere created a strange sensation. The atmosphere in the room also felt cool and humid.

"This house is a little creepy, sir," Emily whispered softly, afraid that the grandmother would hear her voice.

"Did you end up regretting your good intentions to help her?" asked Daniel sarcastically.

"I don't regret it, sir. It's just that this house..." before Emily could explain further, Daniel cut her off.

"I've complied with your wishes and this is where we are now, so stop complaining," Daniel said in a stern tone.

"Sorry, sir," Emily said, after which she didn't dare to speak again.

Emily gulped down her saliva, continuing to look around the house with a sense of dread. She stopped for a moment, realizing that the grandmother had returned from the kitchen with several glasses of fresh drink in hand. The glasses contained a golden yellow liquid with slices of fresh fruit floating on the surface, creating a tantalizing display.

"Please drink up," the grandmother said as she placed the glasses in front of them.

Emily thanked her with a smile, touched by her kindness. "Thank you for stopping by my house," she said.

"Do you live alone in this house?" asked Emily, trying to start the conversation with caution. She wanted to understand more about her and dispel her anxiety.

She paused for a moment, her eyes looking tired and full of longing. Fine wrinkles dotted around her eyes, reflecting the burden of life that she had been carrying all the time. She looked at Emily before replying, "I live alone here. My husband left me a few years ago and my daughter now works in a city very far from here."

The grandmother's expression turned slightly sad, as if to reveal the burden and sorrow pent up in her heart. The light in her eyes told stories of unspoken, deep loss and the happiness she had once felt.

The grandmother's expression touched and moved toward Emily. She felt guilty that she had unintentionally touched her emotional side. In a voice full of regret, Emily said, "Sorry, Grandma. I didn't mean to make you sad."

The grandmother smiled gently. "It's okay."

"Why don't you come with your daughter?" Daniel asked.

"My daughter has found her own life in the city. She has responsibilities and dreams. Although my heart longs to be with her, she must still pursue the freedom of her own life," the old woman replied.

Daniel was silent, not intending to ask about other people's personal matters further. Meanwhile, Emily nodded, understanding wholeheartedly. She finally took one glass of drink served by the old lady and sipped it slowly. The fresh and sweet flavor instantly slid down her throat.

"Mmm, this is delicious and so fresh," Emily said enthusiastically.

The grandmother smiled warmly. "I'm glad you can enjoy it. Please enjoy it too, young man," the old lady asked Daniel.

Daniel looked at the drink with a doubtful expression. There was a feeling in him that made him unsure about drinking it.

The grandmother saw Daniel's hesitant look and asked. "What's wrong, young man?"

"Nothing," Daniel replied. Daniel finally picked up the glass in front of him and drank it carefully. There was no expression on his face, making her curious about his response to the drink.

The grandmother waited for a moment before asking. "Is that drink not to your taste?"

"No, it's not bad," Daniel replied briefly.

The grandmother looked at both of them with a gaze full of wisdom. "Are you lovers?" she asked curiously.

"No," Daniel replied firmly.

"He's my boss, Gran," Emily explained.

The grandmother nodded, understanding their situation. However, her curiosity didn't stop there. "Do you already have a boyfriend?"

"I just ended things with my boyfriend," Emily replied softly.

"What about you, young man?" she asked, looking deeply into Daniel's eyes.

"I still have no intention of getting into a relationship with a woman," Daniel replied firmly.

The grandmother smiled gently, her eyes radiating deep wisdom. "Love is a beautiful gift. When we trust and love others, we open the door to miracles and happiness in our lives."

The grandmother continued, her voice filled with tenderness and understanding. "Distrust will only limit us. Believe in yourself and in the people who matter to you. With trust, love, and forgiveness, we can overcome all obstacles and live a life of happiness."

Suddenly, lightning flashed in the dark sky. The sudden flash of lightning and the rumbling sound of thunder echoing through the air made Emily startle and immediately close her eyes.

The lights in the grandmother's house suddenly went out, leaving the room in darkness. The light from the flash reflected the sharp gaze and strange smile etched on the grandmother's lips. At that very moment, Daniel, who had been staring unintentionally at the grandmother, felt tension run through his body and caution fill his mind.

Not long after, the lights came back on with bright light. The atmosphere of the grandmother's house returned to normal, but the tension was still in the air. Daniel looked at the grandmother once more. The grandmother's face, previously filled with strange looks and smiles, had now turned into a calm and peaceful face. She looked like an ordinary grandmother, with a gentle smile gracing her lips.

"We should go home, Em. It's going to rain soon," Daniel said in a worried tone.

Emily nodded in agreement, understanding that the unpredictable weather could jeopardize their journey home. They quickly stood up and prepared themselves to go home.

"Sorry, Grandma. But it looks like we have to go home now," Emily said with gratitude.

The grandmother nodded with understanding. "Thank you for your kindness and be careful on your way home."

Daniel and Emily walked towards the door of the grandmother's house. Suddenly, however, they felt their vision blur and, in an instant, they both lost consciousness. They both fainted for no apparent reason.

Lightning flashed, and rain fell heavily. The lights of the grandmother's house went out again, creating an even darker and more tense atmosphere. With slow steps, the grandmother approached Daniel and Emily, who lay helpless before her. Her gaze was sharp and mysterious, as if holding an unrevealed secret.