<span style="font-family:Amaranth">It didn't take long for Charlotte to find the thermostat. The thing was turned off, which made sense considering there wasn't anyone living here, but still. She quickly turned it on and cranked the heat up, stepping away once she'd done so to rub her gloveless fingers together. She turned, spotting the kitchen down the hall. Curious, she stepped into it and paused, looking around. Though it wasn't messy by any means, it was clear that her grandfather had lived here. There were knickknacks on shelves, dishes in the sink, food in the open pantry. Opening the fridge, she saw that there was even food in there. The milk was expired, though. Making a face, she shut the door and started to turn away when something caught her eye.<br/>
<br/>
Though she didn't remember her grandparents, she could tell that it was them in the photo hanging on the fridge. They were younger, and holding a baby. The only thing that gave away that it was a baby Charlotte they were holding was her younger mother in the picture, standing slightly off to the side and not looking happy. She'd never really looked happy, Cici thought, a frown creasing her forehead. Still, her eyes lingered on the picture for a few more moments before she tore her gaze away, turning back to the rest of the room.<br/>
<br/>
This was going to be more of a process than she thought.<br/>
<br/>
With a sigh, she left the kitchen, heading back to the front door. She had trash bags and whatnot out in her car she'd have to bring in. She could feel the heat kicking in, and it felt amazing. So amazing, in fact, that she didn't notice the intruder on the stairs until she was almost upon him. She did a double take and then shot backwards, knocking into a painting on the wall and sending it falling to the ground. Unable to look at the damage she'd done, and feeling a bruise beginning to form on her shoulder, she stared at the man with wide, fearful eyes.<br/>
<br/>
Who are you? The man asked, his voice slightly hoarse. What happened to Nathaniel?<br/>
<br/>
Nathaniel?<br/>
<br/>
Almost immediately the name registered and she realized he meant her grandfather. Was he a robber? Trying to take all her grandfather had? Did he owe this man something and he'd come here to collect? He must not know, then... Swallowing heavily, she stared at him still as she responded, her own voice shaking. "He... he died. I'm his granddaughter." Gathering some courage, she pushed off from the wall. "Who are <i>you</i>?"</span>