It was a quiet Saturday afternoon in the small town where Emma and her cousin Tom were visiting their grandmother. The town was near the mountains, and the air still smelled of rain. Grandma’s kitchen was warm and bright, and the table was full of fresh cookies. After lunch, Grandma said, “Why don’t you two take a walk? The rain stopped. River Street looks different these days.” Emma and Tom put on their light jackets and went outside. They waved to the baker, passed the small bookstore, and crossed the park where rain left many little puddles. When they reached River Street, they saw new houses. Many windows had flower pots. The gardens looked neat, with short grass and clean paths. Everything felt fresh and new. But halfway down the street stood one house that did not match the others.…