Thick sea fog menaces, slinking in from the rocky coast. It persuades the day away from its natural light and distorts the landscape. And then she can no longer see anything but whiteness as it gradually envelopes the house and pushes thickly against the windows. It is eerie. Uncannily quiet. She is cold and alone. She wonders about lighting the fire, but she would have to go out in the mystery of the mist; a blanket will do.
There is a sudden loud hammering at the door.