At first, it was a simple knock. Both occupants of the house, woman and girl, had been sitting at the dinner table that was placed in the middle of the tiny house.

The woman set down the tea cup that had been prepared by the other, approaching the door.

“Who is it?” She leaned ever so slightly against the door.

“Police.” Her heart skipped a beat. She forcibly ceased all motion in her body.

“J...