Prologue Summary - New Home Uncertainties

A fictional story written by an author.

The person who writes a novel.

The year a novel was published.

The right to copy, distribute, and perform a work of authorship.

In this story, "immaculate" describes the condition of the houses Judy shows, emphasizing her high standards and meticulous attention to detail.

The fact that Judy's car is not visible in the garage suggests she is not home, as she wouldn't park on the driveway in a snowy day.

Ethan's search for a spare key highlights their predicament: they need shelter from the cold and can't contact Judy.

The fact that Judy leaves the upstairs light on contradicts her usual meticulousness, suggesting something unusual might be happening.

The "welcome" mat partially obscured by snow is a subtle detail hinting at the external conditions and the setting of the story.

The absence of cell phone signal and the increasing snowfall create a sense of urgency and necessitate finding shelter.

The act of cautiously observing something closely, often with suspicion or alertness.

The act of carefully examining something, especially when trying to find out what it is or what caused it.

A sudden and forceful shake of the head, often expressing disagreement or emphasis.

A long, thin blade with a serrated edge, typically used for cutting bread or other food.

A feeling or belief that something is wrong or dangerous, often based on intuition or an unknown sense of threat.

An object that adds an element of visual appeal to a room, especially in a traditional setting.

The feeling of being frightened and insecure when in a mysterious and potentially dangerous place.

A feeling of sadness or despair, often caused by a sense of powerlessness or hopelessness.

A strong sense of wanting to know or learn something. Being inquisitive is a natural human trait.

A person who is excessively interested in the affairs of others. A busybody is often seen as intrusive and annoying.

A type of red wine known for its rich flavor and deep color, typically produced in the Stellenbosch region of South Africa.

A person who possesses extensive knowledge about wine, from its origin and production to its tasting notes and food pairings.

The quality of being cheap or of low value.

A strong winter storm characterized by heavy snowfall and strong winds.

A type of sofa that is made up of individual sections that can be arranged in different configurations to create a seating area.

A feeling of nervousness, anxiety, or apprehension, often triggered by something unexpected or concerning.

The statement that all humans engage in deception, regardless of their intentions or circumstances.

A planned and controlled situation designed to observe and measure human behavior.

The extent to which a particular characteristic or behavior occurs in a population.

The act of stating something that is not true, with the intention to mislead or deceive.

The process of estimating a value based on available data and statistical methods.

To come up with an idea or plan.

A group of people who participate in a study or experiment.

The process of gathering information about a topic.

A statement that expresses the possibility of something being true or happening.

Describing an action that is not true, or that is intended to mislead.

A feeling of discomfort or unease, often caused by an unsettling or frightening experience.

The moment when a character experiences a sudden realization or a shift in their understanding of a situation.

A feeling of excitement and anticipation, especially when considering a new and potentially positive experience.

An act of pretending to have a certain emotion, especially when the individual does not genuinely feel that emotion.

A visual representation of an individual, often portraying them in a particular setting or with specific details.

A statement or action intended to cause surprise, amusement, or perplexity in someone.

A quick, involuntary muscle twitching in the jaw, often indicative of tension, stress, or annoyance.

The act of drawing someone closer physically or emotionally, often with a gesture that conveys affection or support.