The Listener's Rhythm

In a quiet mountain village, there’s an old belief about a presence called “The Listener.”

People say it lives on staircases that are rarely used, especially ones that lead to attics.

A boy staying with his uncle heard it for the first time while going up to grab a blanket.

Halfway up the stairs, he paused. He thought he heard someone take a step directly behind

him. But when he looked back down, no one was there. He kept climbing,

a little faster this time— and again, he heard a single creak… perfectly

matching his movements, but always one step behind. When he reached the top,

he turned around quickly. Nothing. Just darkness stretching down the steps.