The power went out at exactly 2:17 a.m.
You noticed because your phone buzzed—then died in your hand, the screen going black mid-scroll. The fan slowed to a stop. Silence filled your room so completely it felt like pressure against your ears.
At first, it was just inconvenient.
Then you heard it.
A soft knock.
Not at your door.
From inside your closet.
You froze, staring at the thin line of darkness between the closet doors. Another knock came—gentle, deliberate. Three taps this time. As