Selfie Mode at 3:17 a.m.

At 3:17 a.m., my phone buzzed with a notification from a security app I don’t own.

“Movement detected in your bedroom.” I froze on the couch, staring at the dark hallway.

I live alone. The app updated again: “Subject is standing beside the bed.”

My heart pounded as another message appeared, this time with audio. I pressed play.

It was my own voice, whispering softly: “Don’t turn around.” Then the bedroom door slowly creaked

open behind me. I didn’t breathe. I didn’t move. The door stopped halfway open,

as if whatever stood behind it was listening. My phone vibrated again. “Subject is approaching

you.” Slow footsteps echoed on the floor. Each step was slow… deliberate.