It all began with the faint creak of a floorboard.

She was home. Alone. Or so she thought.

When a towering, unnaturally elongated figure emerged from the darkness of the hallway, she ran.

The creature lunged after her. Its heavy footsteps shook the floor, its long claws scraping against the walls.

She rounded the corner, stumbled into a room, and slammed the door behind her.

Pressing her back against the wall, she clamped a hand over her mouth. Her heart pounded wildly.

The footsteps drew closer.

And then — silence.

She waited. Five seconds. Ten. Twenty.

Nothing.

Had it lost her? Had it finally gone away?

A faint smile crossed her lips.

She had done it. She had found a place to hide.

But just then, she heard a soft click.

The doorknob began to turn. Slowly.

And from the darkness came a raspy voice, almost amused:

“Did you really think I hadn't seen you?

The door began to open...