Nora wiped the edge of the hallway table with a clean cloth.
The sun was shining bright through the tall windows of the grand estate.
This mansion was located in the most expensive neighborhood in town.
Nora had worked as a maid here for only three weeks.
The owners of the home were extremely wealthy and distant.
They spent most of their time attending lavish charity events.
Nora adjusted her dark navy uniform as she picked up a silver tray.
She carried two heavy champagne glasses toward the main living room.
The marble floors were polished so bright they looked like ice.
Every painting on the long hallway wall cost more than Nora made in years.
As she walked past a massive portrait, she suddenly paused.
A strange noise cut through the quiet afternoon.
It sounded like a faint, soft thump coming from inside the wall.
Nora stood completely still on the shining marble floor.
She held her breath and listened closely to the quiet hallway.
At first, she thought it was just the central heating system clicking.
Then the soft thumping noise happened again, faster this time.
It sounded like little hands tapping against heavy wood.
Nora set the heavy silver tray down on a nearby side table.
She took two steps closer to the massive framed painting.
The portrait showed the mistress of the house in a bright dress.
Nora placed her palm flat against the cold wooden frame.
She could feel a tiny vibration coming from behind the canvas.
A soft, muffled cry echoed right behind her hand.
Nora felt a sudden cold chill run down her spine.
She reached behind the bottom edge of the heavy golden frame.
Her fingers brushed against a small metal latch hidden near the wall.
She pressed the latch with her thumb.
A hidden door popped open with a quiet clicking sound.
The heavy portrait swung outward like a door on a hinge.
Nora gasped loudly as she looked into the dark space behind the wall.
A small girl was sitting on the floor of the dark compartment.
Her little arms were tied firmly behind her back with dark tape.
A strip of dark tape covered her mouth, stopping her from screaming.
Tears had made clear tracks through the dust on the girl's face.
Nora immediately dropped to her knees on the cold marble.
Her hands trembled as she reached inside the dark compartment.
Nora: Oh my goodness, do not be afraid!
Nora spoke in the gentlest voice she could manage.
The little girl blinked rapidly against the bright light of the hallway.
Nora reached out and carefully peeled the tape from the girl's mouth.
The little girl let out a raspy, sobbing breath.
Little Girl: It hurts... please help me...
Nora quickly unwrapped the tight tape from the child's small wrists.
The moment her hands were free, the child threw her arms around Nora.
Nora pulled the trembling child close to her chest.
She held the little girl tightly, trying to comfort her sobbing frame.
Nora looked back down the bright, empty hallway in complete shock.
She wondered who could ever do something so cruel to a child.