Chapter One Summary

Dad has found the family a beautiful house in Houston for a below-market price. Mom marvels at the home and the price point and begins to talk to Sarah about the difficulties of the move. Sarah cuts her off, unwilling to discuss the situation. As soon as Sarah walks into the house she experiences icy cold and panic. She senses the echo of a scream and knows something is horribly wrong with the house. She mentions it to Mom, who asks if the feeling might be Sarah's imagination. Sarah agrees. They do not tell Dad about the experience. He is excited to show them around the house and seeks praise from Sarah and Mom. He and Mom have a strong relationship, and Sarah can see how much they love each other despite her observations that they are both fairly ordinary. Their...