It was so soft, so soft that I almost didn’t hear it. Amidst the screams and yells from the supernatural film, it came again:517Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONSPszHAb5
Knock. Knock. Knock.517Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWb81hFxt9
The short, harsh raps on the door had echoed in the hollow hall, then slowly blended into the darkness. I pause the television screen, straining my ears for more sounds outside my door at this ungodly hour. It is almost four in the morning; far too late for pizza delivery, and far too early for the postman.
I cast my blanket onto the floor and swing my legs over the sofa, slowly bringing blood back to my numb legs. Small needle-like jabs shoot up my feet as I pad along the cold marble flooring.
"Hello? Who's there?" I call out. No reply.
I yelp as I accidentally bump into the table to my left, knocking over a few items: a flashlight, my keys, and a plastic succulent. Out of apprehension from the unanticipated visiter, I decided to pick up the flashlight. Just in case. 517Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡor9OqRtqOi
Taking in a deep breath, I twisted the handle and flung the door to my house wide open. 517Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOW2jiAt5BN
There was nothing. No lights, no sounds, no traces of any movement beyond my porch. I stepped further into the cold, bracing myself against the wind. Thinking that there was indeed no one outside, I turned to go back into the house, until I heard a shuffle.
I turn abruptly, switching on the flashlight simultaneously. Something caught the light from it, creating a tiny glint on the ground near the bushes. Hesitating, I walk over to examine it.
On the ground was a small lump of metal, about the size of a sugar cube. It emitted a strange scent-- sickly sweet and slightly sulphuric. As I reached out to touch it, it began to throw off waves of heat, seeming to expand and consume the air around it.
As it became more intense, I felt the urge to scream. I could neither retract my hand, nor could I step away. The metal continued its heat, crawling up my arm and seeping into my pores. Everything felt like it was boiling. Everything was too loud, too blinding, too overwhelming. Then, just when I couldn't take it anymore, it exploded into red and silver confetti, completely blurring out my vision, and I fell into darkness.
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