Texts From My Own Number

At exactly 2:17 a.m., my phone buzzed. One text. From my own number.

It said: “Don’t trust the door.” I froze. My phone was in

my hand. I hadn’t sent anything. I laughed it off—glitches happen—until I heard a soft knock.

Three slow taps. My heart started racing. Everyone I knew was asleep.

I checked the front door camera. No one was there. Then my phone buzzed again.

“I warned you.” Suddenly, the lights flickered. The knocking came back—louder this

time. I backed away, whispering, “Who is this?” Another text appeared.

“You open it in 12 seconds.” I looked at the door. Then the handle