It was Halloween night, and Emily was alone in her apartment, binge-watching horror movies. The wind howled outside, and the darkness felt suffocating. As the clock struck midnight, she heard a soft knock on the door.

She froze. Who could that be? She wasn’t expecting anyone.

She peeked through the peephole and saw a tall figure cloaked in black, face hidden by a skull mask. The figure raised a hand, as if to knock again, sending a chill down her spine.

Emily’s breath quickened. Should I open it?

Summoning all her courage, she cracked the door just a

sliver. “H-Hello?”

The figure’s voice was low, gravelly. “I’ve been watching you... You’re alone tonight... and you're next.”

Emily’s heart slammed in her chest. The frying pan she gripped felt like the only thing keeping her sane. “Wh-Who are you?” she asked, voice shaking.

The figure stepped closer, his heavy breathing making the air feel thicker. “I’m... here to deliver your fate.”

Her hand tightened around the pan. “What do you want from me?”

The figure reached into a bag with a slow, deliberate motion. Emily’s mind raced—was this it? Was she going to die tonight?