The soles of my sneakers slammed on the pavement as I was making my way home. God, this was just the worst night shift of my life. I looked like a complete mess.

Suddenly, I felt a buzz coming from my phone which was tucked away in my unorganized bag. I sighed and began to rummage through my bag, struggling to find my phone. After a couple of seconds, I manage to find it.

A notification popped up on my screen, and an ominous feeling took over.

“Do not go home tonight.”

That was all that was sent. Nothing less, nothing more. I attempted to contact the person behind this text, sending them messages asking them to identify themselves. Unfortunately, the messages weren’t delivered as the mystery person had blocked me.

I was confused, maybe one of my friends thought this was a funny way of messing with me. I nervously changed apps and called Lucius.

The phone rang four times before he picked up.

“Hey Syd.” You could practically hear his smile as he uses my nickname.

“Lucius, did you send me a text telling me not to come home?” I asked, straight to point.

“Wow. Not even a hello?” He teased.

“Lucius! Not the time, please this is really important.”

“Hey, wait. Calm down. Is everything okay?” His tone quickly changes from playful to one filled with worry.

“I don’t know. Someone just sent me a text telling me not to go home tonight. I’m scared. My family is out of town for the holidays, I’m alone .” I pace back and forth as I run my hand through my hair.

“No… I didn’t. And everyone here didn’t either.” He responds.

Oh right. I forgot we were meeting up today. Or supposed to, at least. I can’t believe I keep missing out because of my stupid schedule.

“Oh damn, i forgot that was today.”

I muttered a curse under my breath.

“It’s alright.” he reassures me, dismissing it.

Listen, Sydney, where are you? I’m coming to get you.” I could hear him getting up, moving away from the conversation and picking up his keys.

“No, it’s fine. I’ll figure something out.” I assure him. I mean I’ll be fine, it’s not like it’s the first time I had to find a place to stay for the night, last minute.

“No, Sydney. If you don’t tell me, I’m driving around this town to find you. Make this easy for the both of us, please?” He insists. I give in and let him know I’m near a cafe we frequently visit.

5 minutes have passed as I leaned on the brick wall, rubbing my hands against my arms trying to stay warm. A car pulls up, and a familiar face appears as the window rolls down, waving for me to get in. I walk over to the car and step in, allowing the warmth within the car to embrace me.

“Hey, sorry I made you drive all the way out here.” I sigh as I close the door.

“You didn’t, I wanted to. I wasn’t gonna leave you out here anyway.” He grins. I smile back at him. “You look cold.” He chuckles softly.

I shake my head, telling him I’m fine. “I’m okay.” I shrug

“Your nose is red, and you’re shivering. I don’t think you are.” He takes off his scarf and wraps it around me. I thank him quietly.

“Lucius?”

“Yeah?”

“Could you take me home?”

“What? No. You practically got threatened, we should call the police.” He looks at me like I’m crazy as he’s trying to keep his eyes on the road. I remind him to focus on driving subtly.

“Lucius, I just want to see if someone is there, please? Before we involve the cops?” I plead. “I don’t want to turn this into a big deal.”

He disagrees. So as per usual, I whine, annoying him into it.

He finally gives me a look which tells me he has given in, but definitely disapproves. I thank him as I chuckle.

We finally arrive. I shakily take my keys out of my messy bag as he pulls up in front of my house. We exit the car, making our way to the front door.

I move my shaking hand towards the keyhole, but a hand stops me. “I think we should call the cops. This is a bad idea.” Lucius says in a worried tone. I reassure him and open the door.

The door slowly opens, creaking. Revealing something that would haunt Lucius and I forever.

Indescribable.