“Do not go home tonight”.

I stared at my phone and the excessively shady text. There was only one thing to do.

(Mama?)

(Is that you?)

I just had to text back, there is no way I was letting this moment go to waste.

“Do not go home tonight”

The text was resent. Ok, this guys was being smart.

(It’s ok. I know you have sleepovers with people who aren’t my daddy.)

(But I’m hungry!!)

(Cant you make me some dinner?)

Almost immediately a reply was sent, and it all unraveled from there.

“I know who you are Jenny. And you need to listen when I say you can’t go home tonight”

(Of course, mommy! I’m Jenny!)

(What’s for dinner again?)

“DTOP IT!”

“*STOP”

“This is serious. Don’t blame me for what happens if you don’t heed my warning…”

(But MAMA!! I want nuggies!”

No reply.

(PLEASE? I won’t tell daddy about your sleepovers!)

No reply.

(Killjoy)

Still no reply.

At that point I just blocked the number. It was fun while it lasted, and hopefully the creep won’t go around texting random girls that they can’t go home. I mean, who does that?

I was just finishing up my cup of coffee anyways, ready to go on with my day. It was a weird occurrence, but it didn’t mean anything and today was going to be busy.

_____________________

I thought about the text message again as I was clocking out for the day. For some reason, it was giving me the chills.

As I walk out to my car, I dial up my more reliable friend, Katie. She picks up almost instantly.

“Hello?”

“Hi, Katie. Would you mind if I came and crashed at your place tonight?”

“Sure! It’s been a while!”

“Yeah it has. I’ll be there in about ten minutes.”

“Awesome. See you soon!”

It was a short conversation but it immediately filled be with relief. I don’t know why I was so bothered.

____________________

The next day, it was all over the news. 53 bodies all found simultaneously…

… in my house.

Shit.