Chapter 9: No Way Out

I pressed my eye to the peephole, barely breathing, praying they’d just leave.

The 701 couple scooped up their daughter. Just as they turned to go, I saw the girl reach out her finger.

Her nail turned black and impossibly long, stabbing into the man’s skin.

Black liquid seeped into him.

I watched, frozen, not even able to blink. The man’s knees buckled, his body convulsing on the floor.

His wife screamed:

“Honey, what’s wrong?”

“Somebody help! Is anyone there? Help!”

She spun and pounded on my door:

“604, I know you’re in there! It was my husband’s fault for cursing you before, but if you have any conscience, help us!”

“Please, open the door!”

My hand hovered over the lock, every muscle screaming to help, but my legs wouldn’t move. Coward. Survivor. I couldn’t tell the difference anymore.

Before I could react, the woman suddenly collapsed too.

Behind her stood the little girl, face blank and expressionless.

Oh no.

A terrible realization surged through me.

Suddenly, the couple stood up.

The little girl crumpled to the floor.

The couple turned together, crouched down, bared their teeth—and started to feast…

A wet, tearing sound seeped under my door. I sank to the floor, hugging my knees, shivering. Outside, the night was no longer silent.

My phone buzzed again, but I couldn’t look away from the door. Whatever was out there now, it knew I was next.