Gun [2026]

Years later, a relentless storm struck the coast, and the old house began to groan under the pressure of rising floodwaters. Elara, now grown and caring for the estate, found herself trapped in the cellar as the foundation shifted. A heavy oak door—one she had never been able to open—was now the only thing standing between her and the safety of the upper floors. As the water reached her knees, she remembered the iron key on the mantel, three floors above.

: Aim to include details that advance the plot or develop a character. If an object or piece of information is emphasized, it should serve a purpose later in the narrative. Years later, a relentless storm struck the coast,

When writing a story that relies on setup and payoff, keep these principles in mind: As the water reached her knees, she remembered