You Already Opened the Door Once

At exactly 2:17 a.m., Liam’s phone vibrated on the nightstand. He squinted at the

screen. Unknown Number: “Don’t open the door.” Liam sat up.

His apartment was silent. Too silent. He checked the time again.

2:17. Then he heard it. A knock. Slow. Heavy.

One… two… three. His stomach tightened. No one ever visited this late. Another message

appeared. “If you’re reading this, you have less than ten minutes.”

Liam’s breathing grew shallow. He whispered, “Ten minutes until what?”

The reply came instantly. “Until I become you.” The knocking turned violent.