Helen Blair was in a deep sleep when she was woken by a faint cry of a child. Startled, she immediately sprung from the bed.
Oliver Hoffman on her side rolled over, switched on the bedside lamp, turned to see Helen Blair sitting up in bed with wide open eyes, he laughed and asked, "What happened? Did you have another nightmare?"
Helen Blair placed a finger on her lips to shush him, then listened carefully, "Oliver! I think I hear Daniel crying."
Immediately, Oliver became wide awake, sat up, and listened attentively, "I don't hear any crying."
No sooner had he finished speaking when another cry was heard. This time, the cry was much louder than before, almost as if in protest.
The two looked at each other and simultaneously jumped off the bed, rushing towards the door.
As they exited their room, they saw Mrs. Hoffman and Mr. Hoffman hastily ascending the stairs from below. Both wearing slippers and draped in nightgowns, it was clear they'd also just got up from bed.