True Scary Stories For Sleep With Rain Sounds | True Horror Stories | Fall Asleep Quick Vol. 23

hello everyone and welcome back to the horror Hut now I know a lot of you use these videos to sleep so before you drift off I thought it would be a fun idea if everyone can leave a comment to let me know where you are listening from in the world also like And subscribe if you are enjoying the episodes right let's get comfy and relaxed and let's begin I had just settled in for the night a typical late evening in my small New York City Apartment apartment I was tired ready to relax after a long

day at work the city noises outside were the usual Sirens distant chatter and the arm of traffic I was used to it it was comforting in a way a reminder that I wasn't alone in this massive City around 11:30 p.m. my phone rang the number was unknown and I usually don't pick up unknown calls but something in me just decided to answer on the other end was a man his voice shaky and breathless he kept saying they're coming they're coming you have to get out it startled me but I assumed it was a prank or

someone who dialed the wrong number I told him he had the wrong person in un up I went back to my routine brushing it off but about 10 minutes later the phone rang again same number I hesitated before answering answering and the same man's voice was on the other end this time he was more frantic almost shouting listen to me they're coming for you get out now I could hear heavy breathing like he was running or hiding it gave me chills but I still thought it was some Twisted joke I hung up again feeling a

bit more uneasy I tried to focus on something else turning on the TV to distract myself but the tension wouldn't go away my eyes kept darting to the phone half expecting it to ring again and it did the third call came about 15 minutes later but this time I didn't answer I let it go to voicemail the ringing stopped but then a minute later my phone buzzed with a new voicemail notification I hesitated then played it the message was short but the fear in his voice was unmistakable able they're there you don't have much time

they're coming up hide my heart started pounding it wasn't funny anymore it felt real too real I stood up looking around my apartment trying to shake off the anxiety that was gripping me I was alone but now I felt exposed vulnerable I walked to my front door and checked the locks then double check them as I stood there my phone rang again and my stomach dropped I didn't want to answer it but something made me pick it up before I could say anything I heard noises in the background a door creaking footsteps and then a

whisper they're almost there the call ended abruptly I felt a sudden overwhelming urge to check the peephole in my door I leaned in trying to keep my breathing steady I didn't see anything at first just the empty hallway but then faintly I heard footsteps they were slow and deliberate coming closer I froze listening as they got louder stopping right outside my door I didn't dare look again the footsteps stopped and everything went quiet too quiet I packed away from the door moving slowly trying not to make a sound my apartment was small nowhere to really

hide I could feel my pulse racing my mind spinning trying to figure out what to do I grabbed a kitchen knife the only thing that made me feel a little safer I moved to the corner of my living room where I had a slight view of the front door but could stay hidden in the shadows I waited gripping the knife so tightly my hand started to hurt the silence was suffocating Every Little Creek in the building making me jump I kept telling myself it was just a prank that nobody was really out there then I

heard it a soft almost in notable scraping at the door someone was trying to pick the lock my blood ran cold it wasn't a joke I knew it now I held my breath staying as still as possible the scraping stopped and the door handle jled slightly I watched in Terror as the handle slowly turned but thankfully the dead bolt held whoever was out there didn't give up they tried again this time with more Force but the door didn't budge I could hear them muttering something but the words were too muffled to make out my heart

was pounding so hard I thought it would give me away I kept praying they'd go away then to my horror I heard a second set of footsteps in the hallway followed by a harush conversation between the two Intruders Panic surged through me there was more than one of them I felt trapped with nowhere to go I wanted to scream to call for help but I was too terrified to make a sound the door rattled Again part of this time like they were trying to break it down I heard one of them say we need need

to be quick I knew I didn't have much time I had to do something I remembered the fire esape outside my bedroom window it was a long shot but it was my only option moving as quietly as I could I backed away from the living room and into the bedroom I tried to keep my movement slow but I was shaking so much it was hard to stay calm I reached the window and carefully lifted it praying it wouldn't make any noise the door in the living room made a loud crack as they forced it open

they were inside I could hear them moving around whispering to each other I knew they'd find me any second I climbed down onto the fire escape nearly dropping the knife in my Rush the cold air hit me but I didn't care I just wanted to get as far away from that apartment as possible I started climbing down the metal stairs my heart and my throat I was halfway down when I heard them in the bedroom I moved faster not caring if they heard me now I just needed to get away as I reached the CR

I glanced up and saw them leaning out of the window looking down at me for a moment our eyes met and I saw the cold determination in their faces they didn't say anything just watched as I ran I didn't stop running until I reached the nearest street with people I finally called the police barely able to get the words out they came quickly but by the time we got back to my apartment The Intruders were gone the door was smashed and my apartment had been ransacked but nothing was stolen they hadn't been there to rob

me they were there for me the police took my statement but there wasn't much they could do they never found the men and I never figured out who the caller was or how they knew what was happening when I got home from work that day everything felt off I couldn't put my finger on it at first but there was something about the house that just didn't seem right I walked into the kitchen to put down my bag and I noticed my favorite monk wasn't where I usually tapped it I always put it in the same

spot on the middle shelf but there it was on the top shelf I pushed it off thinking maybe I had just put it there without realizing it I moved into the living room feeling a little uneasy but trying to ignore it my shoes by the door were turned the wrong way toes pointing towards the wall instead of the door that me made me pause I hadn't been rushing that morning so I knew I had left them neatly I told myself I was just overthinking things it had been a long day and I was probably just

tired I had it upstairs to change out of my work clothes on the way I passed the bathroom and saw that the towel on the rack was folded differently than I usually folded it wasn't much just a little thing but it stood out to me I started to feel like I was losing it like maybe I was just being paranoid but then again who would be in my house to move things around when I got to my bedroom the feeling got stronger my bed looked too neat I never make it that perfectly in the morning

I walked over to the closet to grab some clothes but as I reached for the door handle I hesitated something felt wrong my hand hovered there and for a second I thought I heard a faint rustling sound inside it was so quiet I wasn't sure if I'd really heard it or if my mind was just playing tricks on me I stood there for a moment debating whether to open the door or just walk away my heart started to race and I could feel the blood pounding in my ears I told myself it was nothing that

I was just being silly but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was off finally I took a deep breath and pulled the door open at first I didn't see anything just my clothes hanging there like always but then in the corner behind a long coat I saw him a man crouched down trying to make himself as small as possible his eyes were wide staring up at me and for a split second we just stood there Frozen I couldn't move couldn't scream my mind was blank trying to process why I was seeing he was real

not some figment of my imagination there was a stranger in my house in my closet just a few feet away from me he moved first he lunged at me pushing me back I stumbled and fell onto the bed the breath knocked out of me my instincts kicked in and I scrambled to get up to get away but he was faster he cracked my arm pulling me back back and I felt pure panic flood my body I managed to pull away running out of the bedroom and down the stairs I could hear him behind me his

footsteps heavy and fast I didn't stop to look back I just ran bursting out the front door and into the street I kept running until I reached my neighbor's house pounding on the door screaming for help my neighbor opened the door looking confused and alarmed I barely managed to get the words out telling him someone was in my house he called the police while I stood there shaking feeling like my legs were about to give out the police arrived quickly but it felt like ours they went into my house guns drawn searching every room they

found him still in the house hiding in the bathroom this time they dragged him out handcuffed and I finally felt like I could breathe again the officers told me that he had no weapons on him but they didn't know what his intentions were they took him away and I was left standing there staring at my house feeling like I didn't even recognize it anymore it wasn't safe it wasn't my home not after this I spent the night at my neighbors too scared to go back inside my own house I kept replaying everything in my head

all the little signs I'd ignored all the ways I convinced myself it was nothing but it wasn't nothing it was real and it was terrifying the next day I went back to the house with a friend I couldn't go alone we checked every room every closet just to make sure but the feeling didn't go away every little noise made me jump every shadow felt like it was hiding something I never found out how he got in or why he was there the police said he was likely a Drifter someone who saw an opportunity and took

it but that didn't make it any easier to deal with I kept thinking about what could have happened if I hadn't opened the closet door if I hadn't run fast enough I changed the locks added security cameras did everything I could to make the ow feel safe again but it never really did I moved out a few months later unable to shake the fear that someone else might be hiding waiting for me to come home I still have nightmares about it about opening doors and finding someone there someone who shouldn't be I was on a

long drive through Nebraska just trying to make it to the next town before dark I'd been on the road for hours and needed a break so when I saw a small diner off the highway I pulled in it was one of those places You Don't See Much Anymore a little rund down with a faded sign and peeling paint there were only a few cars in the lot so I figured it would be quiet inside it was just as old as it looked from the outside the smell of greasy food HD me as soon as I

walked in but I didn't care I was St starving I took a seat in a booth near the back away from the few other people there I like sitting alone especially after driving for so long the waitress came over looking tired and I ordered a coffee and a burger as I sat there waiting I noticed two men sitting in the booth behind me I hadn't paid attention to them when I walked in but now I could hear their voices low and serious I didn't mean to eat drop but they were talking loud enough that it

was hard not to hear at first it was just bits and pieces nothing that made sense but then one of them said something that caught my attention I told you it's taken care of nobody saw anything the first man said his voice was Gru and I could tell he was trying to keep it down but he was angry you better be right the second man replied he s sounded nervous like he was on edge if anyone finds out we're screwed I froze my coffee halfway to my mouth I didn't want to jump to conclusions but

it sounded like they were talking about something serious something illegal I tried to focus on my food not wanting to draw any attention to myself but my heart started pounding I couldn't help but listen my ears straining to catch every word they w won't the first man said more confident now the body's gone and the car is torched no one's going to find a damn thing I felt a cult shiver run down my spine my stomach turned and suddenly I wasn't hungry anymore they were talking about a murder about covering it up I needed to

get out of there but I didn't want them to know I'd heard anything I tried to keep calm to finish my coffee like everything was normal but my hands were shaking I reached into my pocket for some cash to pay and glance around the diner the waitress was busy with another table and nobody else seemed to be paying attention to the men's conversation I decided I'd just leave the money on the table and slip out quietly maybe they wouldn't even notice me but as I stood up one of the men spoke again hold on he

said his voice low but firm I I froze my heart pounding in my chest you think that guy hurt us I didn't dare turn around I could feel their eyes on me and I knew if I made any sudden moves it would only make things worse I tried to act normal like I was just another customer leaving after a meal but I could barely breathe I placed the money on the table my fingers trembling and started to walk toward the door as I reached the exit I I heard one of them say let's find out

that was all it took I pushed the door open and stepped outside my legs feeling like jelly I didn't look back just headed straight for my car my hands were shaking so badly I fumbled with the keys dropping them on the ground I bent down to pick them up and that's when I heard the door to the diner swing open behind me I glanced over my shoulder and saw them stepping out into the park lot they were watching me their faces hard and unfriendly Panic surged through me and I finally managed to get the key

into the lock I yanked the door open and jumped inside slamming it shut behind me my fingers were shaking so much I could barely get the key into the ignition I stole another glance at the men they were walking toward my car slowly but deliberately like they had all the time in the world I finally got the engine started and threw the car into reverse my tire squealing as I backed out of the space I didn't care if I hit something I just needed to get out of there as I pulled out onto the highway

I looked in the rearview mirror the two men were standing in the parking lot watching me drive away I could see the anger in their faces and I knew I wasn't safe yet I floored the gas pedal the engine roaring as I sped down the road my heart racing faster than the car I kept checking the mirror half expecting to see them following me but the road was empty still I didn't slow down I drove for Miles not even knowing where I was going just trying to put as much distance between me and that Diner

as possible my mind was racing trying to make sense of what I'd heard but I'd almost gotten myself caught up in when I finally pulled over it was at arrest stop for far from the diner I was shaking all over the adrenaline still pumping through my veins I sat there in the car trying to catch my breath trying to calm down but it was like the fear had taken hold of me and wouldn't let go I kept thinking about those men about what they'd said they were dangerous and I had no doubt they would have

done something to me if I'd stayed any longer I couldn't get their faces out of my head the cold look in their eyes as they watched me leave leave I didn't sleep that night I drove until the sun came up stopping only when I was too tired to keep my eyes open even then I couldn't rest every sound made me jump every shadow looked like someone coming to give me it was only when I was far away in another state that I finally started to feel a little safer but the fear didn't go away it

stayed with me a constant reminder of how close I'd come to something terrible I didn't tell anyone what happened I couldn't who would believe me now every time I pass a small Diner on the side of the road I think about that night about what I heard and how close I came to never leaving that place it started with a letter I found in my mailbox it was a regular evening I just gotten home from work tired and ready to relax I live in an old apartment complex in Illinois nothing fancy but decent enough that

day I cracked my mail without thinking much of it and headed upstairs to my unit when I sat down to go through the pile of bills and ads I noticed one envelope that wasn't addressed to me it was plain just to name an apartment number but neither were mine the handwriting was neat almost to neat like someone had taken their time with it the envelope had no return address just my buildings address and app 3C I live in 4B so I figured it was a simple mixup for a moment I thought about leaving it by

3cs door but then curiosity got the better of me I'm not proud of it but I opened the letter maybe I shouldn't have but I did the paper inside was just as plain as the envelope but the words written on it weren't what I expected they weren't friendly or mundane they were terrifying the letter described a crime in chilling detail something violent something cruel it didn't say who had done it or where it happened just the awful things that had been done to someone it was sick and the more I read the more my hands

started to shake the words were written so matter of factly like it was just business like it didn't matter that someone's life had been ripped apart my first thought was to throw it away to pretend I'd never seen it but then I remembered that it was meant for someone in 3C someone in my building was supposed to get this letter I couldn't shake the feeling that whoever it was knew what was inside that they were part of whatever this was I shoved the letter back into the envelope and tried to calm down I told myself

it was probably some sick joke some Twisted prank but that didn't make the knot in my stomach go away I kept thinking about the details about the way it was all written out so calmly that night I couldn't focus on anything else I kept going back to the letter reading it again and again trying to make sense of it I didn't know what to do should I take it to the police should I talk to whoever lives in 3C but what if they were dangerous what if they were the person who wrote it it was

getting late when I finally decided to just go to bed I put the letter in a drawer and tried to forget about it but sleep didn't come easy I kept hearing every little noise in the building every Creek and Shuffle I was jumpy on edge waiting for something to happen even though I didn't know what then sometime around midnight I heard it a loud banging on my door my heart nearly stopped at first I thought I was imagining it but then it came again harder this time someone was out there and they were angry I

didn't move I couldn't I just sat there in my bed Frozen listening as the banging continued they were shouting something but I couldn't make out the words my mind was racing trying to figure out what to do should I call the police should I answer but then through the noise I heard them say something that made my blood run cold give me the letter they screamed their voice muffled but clear enough they knew I had it somehow they knew I couldn't breathe I didn't know how they knew but they did and they weren't going to

leave until they got it back the banging got louder more desperate they were practically throwing themselves against the door I forced myself to move to get out of bed I grabbed the letter from the drawer and stood there staring at the door my hands were shaking so bad I could barely hold the envelope they kept banging kept shouting I knew I couldn't keep ignoring them they'd break the door down if I didn't do something so I did the only thing I could think of I walked to the door my heart pounding in my chest and

slid the envelope under it the banging stopped immediately for a moment everything was dead silent I could hear my own breathing heavy and panicked as I stood there waiting then I heard the sound of the envelope being picked up the rustle of paper as they checked it I held my breath praying they would just take it and leave and after what felt like an eternity I heard footsteps walking away getting quieter until they were gone I didn't move for a long time I just stood there staring at the door trying to convince myself it was

over but the fear didn't go away I kept thinking about how how they knew how they come right to my door they knew I'd opened it knew I'd seen what was inside that night I didn't sleep at all I kept thinking about what was in that letter about the person who was supposed to get it I kept wondering what would happen next if they come back I still don't know who they were or Al knew I had it the next morning everything seemed normal again like it had all been some terrible nightmare but it wasn't

I couldn't shake the feeling that I was being watched that someone was out there waiting I avoided 3C took a different route out of the building anything to keep from crossing paths with whoever lived there I never told anyone about it I didn't know how to explain what happened and I was too scared to find out more I just wanted to forget it to move on but it's not that easy I keep looking over my shoulder keep listening for any sign that they're still out there I don't know what was in that letter not really

but whatever it was it was enough to bring someone to my door in the middle of the night enough to make them desperate enough to make them dangerous and now every time I walk past 3 SE I wonder who's behind that door and what they're hiding I first noticed something was off about my new neighbor about a week after he moved in I live in a pretty quiet Suburban neighborhood in Texas where everyone Minds their own business but waves when you pass by the house next door had been empty for months so when a moving

truck finally pulled up I was curious but I never actually saw the new guy moving in one day the truck was there the next day it was gone and his car was in the driveway at first nothing seemed too weird I'd see him come and go but only late at night he drove an old beat up sedan and always wore a hat pulled low over his face I figured he'd just work night shifts or something but then I started seeing him in the backyard at OD hours like 2: or 3: in the morning he was

digging deep into the dirt and then covering whatever he was digging with a tarp that was strange enough but then I noticed he covered all the windows of his house with black plastic every single window it wasn't like he was just trying to block out the sun it was like he didn't want anyone to see inside that's when I started getting a bad feeling about the whole thing a few days later I decided to get a closer look I don't know what I was expecting to find but the Curiosity was eating at me it wasn't

like me to pry into someone else's business but something about this guy just felt wrong I waited until it was dark figuring it' be easier to sneak around without getting caught I stepped out into my backyard staying close to the fence that separated our properties the night was quiet the air heavy and still I could see his house clearly and sure enough there he was again out in the backyard digging away under the dim light of a single bulb hanging from his porch I crouched down behind some bushes and watched him for a while the

longer I watched the more I realized just how methodical he was he wasn't just digging random holes he was measuring the space making sure everything was exact and he never looked around never seemed to check if anyone was watching it was like he was completely focused on whatever he was doing when he finally finished he stood there for a moment just staring at the hall then he started dragging something out of his garage something long and lapped in a tarp my heart started pounding as I realized it was the size of a body he moved

slowly carefully lowering the wrapped object into the hole before covering it with dirt I don't know how long I stayed crouched behind those bushes but it felt like forever my mind was racing trying to make sense of what i' just seen I knew I should call the police but something made me stay put watching waiting to see what he'd do next after he finished burying whatever it was he wiped his hands on his pants and headed back into the house I waited a few minutes before standing up my leg stiff from Crouching so long I

felt a strange pull and urg to check the spot he'd just covered up I knew it was a bad idea but I couldn't stop myself I climbed over the fence as quietly as I could Landing softly in his backyard the dirt was freshly turned easy to dig through I started scraping it away with my hands my heart pounding harder with every handful of dirt I moved I didn't know what I was expecting to find but I couldn't shake the feeling that it was something terrible as I dug I kept glancing back at the house half

expecting to come out and catch me but the owl stayed dark and silent I dug faster the dirt flying around me until my hands hit something solid a tarp just like the one I'd seen him drag out of the garage my breath caught in my throat I hesitated then slowly peeled back the tarp my fingers trembling but just as I started to see what was underneath I heard a Creak behind me I whipped around and there he was was standing at the back door watching me his face was in Shadow but I could see the

glint of his eyes Under the Primm of his hat he didn't say anything just stood there staring at me my heart was racing so fast I thought it might explode I scrambled to my feet not even bothering to cover the tarp back up and bolted for the fence I don't think I've ever run that fast in my life I was over the fence and back in my yard in seconds but I didn't stop I ran straight into my house locking the door behind me I stood there in the dark trying to catch my breath my

mind spinning what the hell had I just seen and why hadn't he stopped me I peaked out the window but his yard was dark the light was off and there was no sign of him I didn't sleep that night I couldn't stop thinking about the hole the tarp the way he just stood there watching me I wanted to call the police but I was too scared what if they didn't believe me what if he came after me if he found out I'd reported him the next morning I tried to act normal but I couldn't shake

the feeling that I was being watched every time I looked out the window I expected to see him standing there staring back at me but he was never there I went to work tried to focus on my job but all I could think about was what I'd seen when I got home that evening his car was gone the house was dark just like it had been the night before I waited watching for my window but he didn't come back days passed and there was no sign of him the bad feeling in my gut only got

worse one night a few days later I finally worked up the nerve to call the police I told them everything about the digging the tarp the way he just stood there watching me they sent someone over to check it out but by the time they got there it was too late the backyard was empty the hole had been filled in the dirt smoothed over like nothing had ever happened they knocked on his door but there was no answer the house was empty they went inside but they didn't find anything no signs of a struggle no

evidence of a crime just an empty house with black plastic covering the windows they told me there wasn't much they could do without any proof it was just my word against nothing they said they keep an eye out but I could tell they didn't really believe me after the police left I couldn't stay in the house anymore I left crashing in a friend's place for a while I kept think thinking about the way he'd watched me the way he knew I was there taking up whatever he buried I never found out what was in that

hole or where my neighbor went Thal stayed empty after that eventually going up for sale but I couldn't go back not after what I'd seen I moved out of that neighborhood out of that town trying to put as much distance between me and that place as I could I parked my car in the underground garage just after 11:00 p.m. it was one of those big concrete structures the kind that seemed to swallow up sound The Echoes of my footsteps bounced off the walls as I walked to the elevator the place was nearly empty just a

few cars scattered around most of the lights flickering or to him it had that stale smell like exhaust and old rainwater and it always gave me the creeps but it was Seattle and finding parking on the street that late was impossible so I didn't have much choice I had gone out with some friends for dinner nothing crazy when I came back to the garage it was even quieter than before like the whole place was holding its breath I stepped off the elevator on the lower level where I'd left my car my heels clicked on the

concrete and the sound seemed way too loud in the silence I looked around expecting to see my car just where I left it but it wasn't there I stood there for a moment confused maybe I was just on the wrong level that had to be it I walked down the row checking the other side but my car wasn't anywhere my heart started to race a little it was a stupid mistake to make but I was sure I parked here I was tired though maybe I was just mixed up I went back to the elevator and

tried another level but again no car that uneasy feeling in my stomach started to grow I knew I hadn't been wrong I could picture exactly where I parked right by that flickering light near the far wall but the space was empty I pulled out my phone thinking I'd call someone but the signal was terrible down there the bars kept flickering in and out I tried to stay calm telling myself it was just a mixup maybe a towing mistake or something I started walking around the garage checking every row but each one was empty just shadows

and cold concrete as I walked I noticed something that made my skin crawl in one of the darker Corners just past a broken light I saw some movement it wasn't much just a shift in the darkness like someone was standing there watching me I froze squinting into the Shadows but I couldn't see anything clearly the hairs on the back of my neck stood up and I felt a cold sweat breakout on my skin I tried to Shake it Off telling myself I was just being paranoid but the feeling wouldn't go away I kept glancing back

half expecting to see something someone step out of the darkness but the corner stayed still I picked up my Pace my heels clicking faster on the concrete I just wanted to find my car and get out of there I reached the far end of the garage and turned around thinking maybe I'd missed something that's when I saw him a man was standing a few rows over just barely visible under one of the dim lights he was tall dressed in dark clothes and he was looking right at me my heart nearly stopped I couldn't see his

face clearly but there was something about the way he stood so still that made my blood run cold for a second I thought about calling out to him asking if he'd seen anything but something in my gut told me not to instead I turned and walked quickly in the opposite direction hoping he'd just leave me alone I didn't hear any footsteps but I felt like he was following me like his his eyes were boring into the back of my head I kept walking trying to stay calm but my mind was racing I needed to find

my car get to safety I checked every row every corner but the garage was like a maze and I felt more lost with every step the man was nowhere to be seen now but that just made it worse I knew he was still there somewhere in the shadows watching my breath was coming faster and I could feel Panic rising in my chest I was trying to think of a plan something that would get me out of this I decided to head for the exit maybe I could find a security guard or someone who could help

but as I got closer to the exit I saw the same man standing by the doors waiting he was closer now and I could see his face it was blank almost expressionless but there was something cold in his eyes that s a shiver down my spine I stopped in my tracks not sure what to do he didn't move just stood there blocking my way out I turned and walked quickly back into the garage not caring about the noise my shoes made anymore my only thought was to get away from him but the deeper I went

the more lost I felt the walls seemed to close in the shadows growing darker thicker my car was nowhere to be be found and I knew I was running out of time I heard footsteps behind me soft at first then louder he was following me I broke into a run not caring if he heard me my heels clacked against the concrete as I sprinted down the rows my breath coming in raged gasps I didn't dare look back too scared of what I might see I rounded a corner trying to put as much distance between us

as possible but the footsteps were getting closer my chest was tight Panic gripping me hard I knew I couldn't keep running forever I had to find a way out something to hide behind anything suddenly I saw a maintenance door slightly a jar at the end of the row I sprinted toward it yanking it open and slipping inside just as the footsteps rounded the corner behind me I shut the door as quietly as I could pressing my back against it and holding my breath I was in a small dark room filled with cleaning supplies and tools

the air was thick with the smell of chemicals I listened straining to hear anything outside but all I could make out was my own heartbeat pounding in my ears I stood there Frozen for what felt like hours every sound made me jump every Creek of the building convincing me that he was right outside I didn't know if if he'd seen me if he was waiting for me to come out or if he'd moved on but I couldn't stay there forever slowly I inched the door open just to crack peeking out into the garage it was

empty the rose stretching out in Eerie silence I didn't see him but that didn't make me feel any safer I slipped out of the room staying low and started moving toward the nearest exit my car was gone I knew that now maybe it had been stolen maybe towed or maybe something else entirely I couldn't worry about that anymore I just needed to get out of there as I approached the exit again I scanned the area my heart and my throat I didn't see him and the doors were in sight just a few more steps I

forced myself to keep moving even though every Instinct screamed at me to run just as I reached the doors I heard a sound behind me a soft slow scrape of a shoe against concrete I didn't turn around I couldn't I pushed through the doors and into the stairwell practically leaping down the steps two at a time I could hear him now right behind me the sound of his footsteps echoing in the stairwell I burst out onto the street the cool night air hitting me like a shock I didn't stop running until while I was several

blocks away surrounded by the lights and noise of the city only then did I look back but the street was empty no sign of him anywhere I found a cab and got in shaking all over as we pulled away I couldn't help but look back at the garage half expecting to see him standing in the doorway watching me leave but there was nothing I was driving through Oregon just passing through on a long road trip it was getting late and I'd been on the road for hours without a break so when I saw a sign

for a rest area I figured I'd stop it was one of those small out of way spots just a couple of picnic tables and a restroom building surrounded by trees there wasn't another car inside but I didn't think much of it the place seemed deserted I parked my car and got out stretching my legs before heading to the restroom the air was cool and everything was quiet except for the faint rustling of leaves in the wind the building looked old worn down but I didn't tear I just needed needed to use the bathroom and get

back on the road I pushed open the heavy door and stepped inside it was dimly lit the fluorescent lights flickering every few seconds the smell of old stale air hit me as I walked further in my footsteps echoing off the tile floor there were a few stalls on one side and a row of sinks on the other it was completely empty I picked a stall near the back not really paying attention to anything else I just wanted to get in and out as fast as possible the door creeped as I shut it behind me and

I could hear the faint sound of the wind outside whistling through the cracks in the walls I finished up and flushed then went to open the stall door but it wouldn't budge I pushed harder thinking it was just stuck but it still wouldn't move that's when I realized something was wrong I hadn't locked it so there was no reason for it to be jammed like that I tried again harder this time but it didn't move an inch my heart started pounding a cold sweat forming on my forehead I took a deep breath and tried to

stay calm maybe the door was just old maybe it was swollen or something but no matter how hard I pushed it wouldn't give Panic started to creep in but I told myself to relax I decided to crawl under the door but as I I crouched down I heard voices outside muffled but clear enough to make out some words they were talking about me I froze my heart skipping a beat as I listened there were at least two of them maybe more their voices low but tense I couldn't hear everything but what I caught was enough

to send a chill down my spine when he comes out not yet don't mess this up they were waiting for me I didn't know who they were or what they wanted but it was clear that whatever they had planned it wasn't good I pressed my ear to the stall door trying to make out more but the voices faded and I couldn't hear anything except the pounding of my own art I looked around the stall desperate for a way out the window was too high and too small to crawl through and the door was still Jan

tight my mind raced as I tried to think of something anything that could help me I thought about calling for help but my phone was in the car and even if I had it I doubted there'd be a signal out here I stood there trapped every second feeling like an hour the voices outside started up again louder this time closer they were arguing and I caught the tail end of a sentence that made my blood run cold should just break it down I knew I didn't have much time they were getting impatient and it wouldn't

be long before they decided to force their way in I looked around the stall again and that's when I saw a small vent near the floor just big enough for me to crawl through if I could break the cover off I hurried over to it my hand shaking as I tried to pry the cover off of my fingers it was rusted and loose but it wasn't coming off easily the voices outside grew louder more agitated I could hear footsteps now pacing back and forth and the sound of something heavy being dragged across the floor I

knew I didn't have much time I gave the fent cover one last yank and it finally gave way the metal screeching as it came loose I didn't waste a second I dropped to the floor and started crawling through the narrow space the metal edges scraping against my skin as I wriggled through the vent was tight claustrophobic and I could barely move I could hear the voices getting closer their footsteps echoing in the restroom I craw faster pushing myself through the cramped space my heart pounding in my chest I didn't know where the fent LED but

anywhere was better than where I was just as I made it to the other side I heard a loud crash behind me the sound of the stall door being kicked open they were in the restroom now just a few feet away but I didn't stop I crawled out of the vent and found myself in a small maintenance room dark and cluttered with old cleaning supplies I didn't have time to think I spotted a door on the other side of the room and made a break for it my hands trembling as I fumbled with a handle

I could hear them behind me their voices Angry now shouting at each other the door finally gave way and I burst out into the cool night air I didn't stop running until I reached my car my hands were shaking so badly that it took me a few tries to get the key in the ignition I didn't look back as I sped out of the rest area the tires screeching on the pavement my heart was racing and I couldn't stop shaking the fear still gripping me tight I didn't stop driving until I was Miles Away the

rest area far behind me even then I kept checking the mirrors half expecting to see them following me I never did I rented a cabin in Vermont for the weekend hoping to get some peace and Qui quiet away from everything it was in the middle of the woods really secluded when I got there it looked just like the pictures small but cozy with a big fireplace and windows that let in a lot of Light It was supposed to be a perfect little escape the first day was nice I settled in made myself some coffee and

read a book by the fire the only sounds were the crackling of the fire and the wind outside it it felt like I was the only person in the world that night I went to bed early the bed was comfortable and the cabin was warm but I couldn't sleep right away I kept hearing noises outside at first I thought it was just the wind or maybe some animals moving around the woods were full of life after all but the noises were strange slow deliberate like footsteps I tried to tell myself myself it was just a

deer or something like that but it was hard to ignore I finally fell asleep after convincing myself I was being silly the next morning I felt a little embarrassed about how nervous I'd been I made breakfast and decided to take a walk around the property to clear my head the air was crisp and everything was so quiet it was like the world was on mute but as I walked around I noticed something that made my stomach stomach drop there were muddy Footprints leading up to the cabin they weren't mine I hadn't been out in the

mud since I arrived and these prints were fresh they LED right up to the back door and stopped there I stared at them for a while my mind racing trying to figure out how they got there I couldn't shape the feeling that someone had been outside last night right up against the cabin it made the hairs on the back of my neck stand up I went back inside locking the door behind me I tried to stay calm telling myself there had to be a reasonable explanation maybe a hiker got lost or something though I hadn't

seen a single person since I arrived I decided not to let it ruin my day I tried to relax but every little noise outside made me jumpy that night the noises started again it was the same slow steady sound of footsteps I listened from bed my heart pounding in my chest they were closer this time right outside the cabin I couldn't bring myself to look out the window I was too scared of what I might see I just lay there staring at the ceiling praying it would stop eventually it did but I couldn't sleep after

that I kept thinking about those Footprints and how close they were to my door I felt like I was being watched I got out of bed and double checked all the locks on the doors and windows but it didn't make me feel any safer I ended up sitting by the fireplace trying to keep my mind off it but the uneasy feeling wouldn't go away in the morning I decided to leave the cabin for a while thinking I might feel better if I got out and did something I drove into town trying to convince myself it

was all in my head I crapped some lunch wandered around a few shops and tried to enjoy the day but I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong I kept looking over my shoulder feeling like someone was following me but whenever I turned around no one was there when I got back to the cabin I saw something that made my blood run cold there were more Footprints fresh ones leading from the woods to my bedroom window they were the same size as the ones I'd seen before deep and clear in the mud whoever it

was they had been standing right outside my window looking in while I wasn't there I was terrified I didn't know what to do my first thought was to leave but it was getting dark and the idea of driving through the woods at night alone scared me just as much I decided to stay in the cabin but I kept all the lights on every door and window locked tight I grabbed a kitchen knife and kept it with me just in case I was so on edge jumping at every little sound that night I didn't even try

to sleep I sat on the couch listening waiting the footsteps came again slow and steady circling the cabin I could hear them moving around stopping every so often like they were trying to find a way in I held the knife tight my hand shaking I didn't know what they wanted or who they were but I knew I wasn't alone at one point the footsteps stopped right outside the back door I held my breath waiting for something to happen but it was just silence long heavy silence then the door knob started to turn slowly as if

someone was testing to see if it was locked my heart felt like it was going to explode out of my chest I wanted to scream but I didn't make a sound the doorknob rattled for a few more seconds then stopped I didn't hear anything after that the footsteps were gone but I knew they were still out there somewhere in the dark waiting I stayed up all night too scared to move too scared to even look out the window I kept imagining those muddy Footprints and the person who left them standing right outside just waiting for

me to make a mistake when the Sun finally came up I grabbed my things and left the cabin as fast as I could I didn't care about the rest of the weekend I just wanted to get out of there I went for a jog last night it was late probably around 10:30 I needed to clear my head you know orc had been stressing me out and I just needed to get out of the house the park near my place is usually pretty quiet at that time it's got a few dim street lights but mostly it's

just a glow from the city in the distance I figured it would be a good place to think no distractions the air was cool and the paths were empty it was peaceful at first just the sound of my shoes hitting the pavement and the occasional rustle of leaves I felt a little better as I settled into a rhythm there's something about the steady pace of running that helps me sort out my thoughts after a while I noticed something strange I couldn't put my finger on it at first but something felt off I glanced over my

shoulder and didn't see anything so I kept going but I couldn't shake the feeling that I wasn't alone the hairs on the back of my neck stood up I thought I heard footsteps behind me but when I stopped to listen they stopped too I stood there catching my breath listening hard but all I could hear was my own breathing I Shrugged it off and started running again but that feeling came back almost immediately it was was like someone was matching my Pace just out of sight I kept telling myself it was nothing maybe just the

echo of my own footsteps or a stray animal in the bushes but it didn't feel right I decided to pick up the pace a little just to see if I could shake it off that's when I heard it for sure footsteps clear as day right behind me they matched my speed keeping perfect time with my own my heart started to race and I turned around but there was no one there just empty park behind me the path was lit by those old street lights casting Long Shadows but I couldn't see anyone I told myself I

was being paranoid maybe it was just the wind or the echo of my footsteps bouncing off the trees but then I heard it again this time louder like whoever it was had picked up speed to I didn't look back again I just started running faster my legs were burning but I didn't care I just wanted to get out of there I reached the edge of the park where the path Loops back toward the main road I slowed down a bit thinking maybe I imagined the whole thing but when I looked over my shoulder I saw

a figure in the distance just at the edge of the light they were standing still watching me I couldn't make out any details just a dark shape but I knew they had been following me I panicked I bolted for the road my breath coming in short gasps I could hear them running behind me closing the distance whoever it was they were fast I didn't dare turn around again I just kept my eyes on the street lights ahead praying I'd make it to the main road where there might be cars or people or anything that could

help I could hear them getting closer their footsteps pounding on the pavement they were right behind me my legs were screaming and I felt like I was going to collapse but I kept going pushing myself as hard as I could I could almost feel them reaching out to crab me and that Terror pushed me even faster finally I burst out of the park and onto the main road there were cars driving by and the sight of them felt like a lifeline I stumbled to a stop my chest heaving looking around wildly for whoever had been

chasing me but there was no one there the park was dark and empty behind me I stood there under the street light shaking entrenched in sweat but the figure was gone I didn't stick around to see if they'd come back I ran home as fast as I could constantly looking over my shoulder expecting to see the dark figure again but the streets were empty by the time I got back to my apartment my hands were trembling so badly I could barely get the key in the door I locked myself inside and collapsed onto the couch

trying to catch my breath my heart was still racing and I couldn't get the image of that figure out of my head I kept hearing those Footsteps in my mind pounding behind me getting closer and closer I didn't sleep that night every time I closed my eyes I saw the figure standing there just watching me from the Shadows I kept the lights on checking the windows every few minutes to make sure no one was outside I felt like I was losing it like maybe I'd imagined the whole thing but it was so real the next

day I called in sick to work I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong that whoever was in the park might still be out there watching me I kept the Cur curtains drawn and stayed inside all day too scared to go out every little noise made me jump and I couldn't stop thinking about those footsteps chasing me through the park I haven't been back to that Park since I can't even walk by it without feeling that same Panic rise up in my chest I keep telling myself it was just some creep messing with me

but it doesn't help I can't forget how fast they were how close they got I've try going for runs in different places but I can't shake the fear that someone's following me I'm constantly looking over my shoulder listening for footsteps that aren't there I got home from work around 700 p.m. that night I was too tired to cook so I decided to order some food there's this little tie place I always order from and their delivery is usually pretty quick I placed the order through the app a simple pad tie and some spring rolls nothing

fancy about 30 minutes later I heard a knock at the door it was sooner than I expected but I figured maybe they weren't too busy busy I opened the door and there was a guy standing there with a plastic bag he looked like a typical delivery guy worn out jacket cap pulled low over his face he didn't say much just handed me the bag I thanked him but he didn't leave right away he just kind of stood there for a moment looking at me I felt a little uneasy but I didn't think much of it

at the time he finally turned and walked away and I closed the door I remember feeling a bit off like something wasn't right but I shook it off and went to the kitchen I put the bag on the counter and opened it up but when I looked inside I was confused there was no food just a couple of old newspapers stuffed inside I thought it was some kind of mistake or maybe a prank I was annoyed so I picked up my phone to call the restaurant before I could dial there was another knock at the

door it was loud urgent like someone was in a hurry I froze for a second a weird feeling creeping up my spine I went to the door and without thinking I opened it the same guy was standing there he didn't have the bag this time and he didn't look like he was in a hurry to leave his tap was lower almost hiding his eyes I asked him what was going on where my food was but he didn't answer instead he pushed the door open wider and stepped inside I backed up stunned I remember thinking this

couldn't be happening he wasn't supposed to come in delivery guys don't just walk into your apartment my heart started racing but I didn't want to panic he looked around like he was checking the place out my brain was screaming at me to do something to say something but I couldn't get any words out I just stood there Frozen as he wandered into my living room I asked him to leave trying to keep my voice steady but he didn't even look at me he walked around picking up random things my keys a magazine even a picture

frame he wasn't in a hurry and that scared me more than anything it was like he knew he had all the time in the world like he wasn't wor about me trying to stop him finally I snapped out of it and demanded he leave I tried to sound tough but my voice shook he looked at me then really looked at me and I saw his face for the first time there was something wrong with his eyes something cold and empty he smiled but it wasn't a friendly smile it was more like he was amused like

he knew I was scared he put the picture frame down and walked towards me I packed up until I was against the wall my mind was racing trying to figure out what to do I didn't have my phone with me it was still on the counter in the kitchen I didn't know if I should run or scream or try to fight him off he stopped just a few feet away from me and tilted his head like he was thinking about something then without saying a word he turned and walked out of the apartment he didn't

run didn't slam the door just walked out like nothing had happened I stood there shaking trying to process what had just happened when I finally moved I ran to the door and locked it my hands trembling so badly I could barely turn the lock I cracked my phone and called the restaurant but they said no one had been sent out yet my order was still being prepared I hung up and called the police when they arrived they didn't find anything no sign of forced entry no fingerprints nothing they took my statement but I could tell

they didn't think it was a big deal just some weirdo they said probably harmless they promised to keep an eye out but I knew they wouldn't find him that night I didn't sleep I kept thinking about the way he looked at me like he was sizing me up trying to decide what to do I kept hearing the that knock on the door over and over in my head every little noise made me jump I didn't feel safe in my own home anymore I started staying with a friend after that too scared to be alone in

the apartment I haven't been back since I know it sounds crazy but I can't shake the feeling that he's still out there watching waiting for the right moment to come back I keep thinking about that smile that empty look in his eyes and I know I'll never forget it I don't know what he wanted or why he chose me but I'm just glad I got out of there before he did anything worse I don't know what would have happened if I hadn't finally found my voice if I hadn't demanded he leave I just hope I

never see him again I was working late at the office one night it was just after 9:00 p.m. and the building was mostly empty I was finishing up a report that was due the next day the office was eily quiet except for the h of the air conditioning and the occasional clatter of a stray paper or two when I finally wrapped up I decided it was time to head home I packed up my things and went to the elevator I pressed the button and waited the elevator arrived with a soft chime and I stepped inside

glad to be heading home just as the doors were about to close another man slipped in quickly I glanced at him and he seemed off he was dishel like he'd been running or something his clothes were wrinkled and a little dirty and he had this wild look in his eyes I tried to ignore him and just focused on the numbers lighting up as the elevator started to move the elevator jolted suddenly and the lights flickered I felt a small Rush of panic as the lights went out completely for a few seconds when they came back

on I noticed something that made my blood run cold the man's hands were smeared with what looked like blood it wasn't just a small amount either it was a lot my mind raised I wanted to say something to ask if he was okay but I couldn't find the words I just stood there trying to stay calm the man seemed to sense my unease he looked at me with these wide unblinking eyes and I could see the fear in his expression it was like he was trapped in his own world unable to focus on anything else

the elevator stopped moving and the light lights flickered again I could hear the faint buzzing of the emergency light above us the man took a deep breath and I noticed his hands were shaking he glanced around the elevator then back at me as if he was trying to make sense of something is something wrong I finally managed to ask trying to keep my voice steady my throat felt dry and my heart was pounding in my chest he didn't answer right away he he just stared at me and I could see his eyes darting around like

he was trying to remember something the silence in the elevator was deafening I wanted to press the emergency button but my hands felt like lead after what felt like an eternity he spoke they're coming he said his voice trembling they're going to find me I didn't understand what he meant who's coming I asked my voice barely a whisper I could see the fear in his eyes and it made me even more nervous he didn't answer instead he started pacing back and forth in the small space his hands still covered in blood were swinging loudly every

now and then he would stop and stare at the elevator doors as if he was expecting them to open at any moment I tried to stay as far away from him as possible my mind was racing trying to come up with a plan the thought of what he might have done or I might be after him since chills down my spine I didn't know what to do but I knew I needed to stay calm and avoid provoking him the elevator jolted again and the lights flickered more violently this time I heard a faint thought from

somewhere above and the elevator stopped moving my heart was racing and I felt a wave of panic wash over me I tried to press the emergency button but it didn't seem to be working the man's breathing grew heavier more erratic he seemed to be having some kind of breakdown I could see his eyes darting around the elevator and he was muttering to himself I couldn't make out what he was saying but the tone was desperate and frantic I knew I needed to get out of there but the elevator wasn't moving I looked around trying to

find something that could help help the emergency phone in the elevator was out of order I felt completely trapped the thought of being stuck in there with someone who might be dangerous was terrifying suddenly the man stopped pacing and turned to me his eyes were wide and he looked like he was about to say something but then he just slumped against the wall he slid down to the floor his back against the elevator wall his breathing was heavy and he seemed exhausted I took a deep breath trying to steady myself I Waited For What felt

like an eternity before I heard the faint sound of rescue workers talking outside the Elevator Shaft I could barely hear them but the sound gave me a glimmer of hope eventually the elevator door started to open slowly the light from the hallway poured in and I saw a team of rescue workers in the doorway they looked at the man on the floor and then at me I could see the concern in their eyes one of the workers stepped inside and checked on the man while another one helped me out of the elevator they asked me

questions but I was too shaken to answer properly I just pointed to the man and told them he needed help they took over from there carefully assessing the situation the man was still sitting on the floor his hands still smeared with blood I couldn't tell if he was kind ious or not I felt a wave of relief as I was led out of the building I later learned that the man was taken into custody and taken to the hospital it turned out that he had been involved in a violent incident and the blood on his

hands was from that the police handled everything from there I still think about that night sometimes the feeling of being trapped in the elevator with someone so unstable not knowing what might happen next it's something I can't forget it was a few months ago late summer in Arizona I was driving down this deserted road heading home from long day at work it was past Dusk and the sun had already dipped below the Horizon the only light came from my headlights cutting through the darkness the road stretched out for Miles with hardly any traffic I was

used to the isolation but that night it felt more intense as I drove I saw a figure on the side of the road a man was standing there with a thumb out clearly hitchhiking I hesitated did at first but I couldn't ignore the thought of someone being out there alone in the dark I pulled over and he got in he seemed normal at first just an average guy in his late 20s or so he introduced himself as Matt and said he was trying to get to a town a bit farther down the road I agreed

to give him a ride since it wasn't much out of my way we chatted for a while he talked about his trip and his plans nothing out of the ordinary the conversation was light and polite but then he started asking personal questions questions about my job my family where I was heading at first I thought he was just making small talk trying to be friendly as the conversation went on his questions became more specific he asked about my house the neighborhood I lived in and how long I had been living there I found it odd

but brushed it off as harmless curiosity I gave fake answers hoping to steer the conversation elsewhere then he said something that made my skin crawl he mentioned knowing about the new dog I had just adopted I hadn't told him anything about my dog I hadn't even mentioned getting one recently my heart started racing I asked him how he knew about it and he just smiled and Shrugged you talk about sometimes he said it's not hard to pick up on I tried to keep my voice steady I don't talk about my personal life much I was

trying to stay calm but his casual tone was making me uneasy the questions continued and he seemed to know things he shouldn't he talked about my recent vacation which was supposed to be a secret my anxiety grew with each word I decided it it was time to cut the conversation short I told him I was feeling tired and needed some quiet he didn't push further but I could sense a change in his demeanor he seemed to settle back into his seat but the atmosphere in the car was tense suddenly he asked do you ever think

about what might happen if he just disappeared the question came out of nowhere and it sounded almost philosophical but with a strange undertone Micah told me something was seriously wrong I tried to focus on the road but my hands were cripping the steering wheel so tightly my Knuckles turned white I glanced at him from time to time trying to cage his mood he was staring out the window but his reflection in the class showed a slight smile that made my stomach churn my mind raced through various scenarios each one more terrifying than the last I

considered stopping the car and asking him to leave but the road was so isolated and it felt dangerous to do so I feared what might happen if I provoked him just when I thought I couldn't take the suspense anymore we reached a small town I slowed down and pulled over to the side of the road near a gas station I turned to him and said this is where you get off it's not far from where you wanted to go he looked at me and for a moment his expression softened thanks for the a ride he

said but his eyes still held that unsettling glint he got out of the car slowly still keeping his Gaze on me as he closed the door I noticed he left a small envelope on the seat my heart pounded as I watched him walk away disappearing into the Shadows once he was out of sight I picked up the envelope my hand shaking it was addressed to me but there was no return address I decided to open it later when I was somewhere safe I drove away quickly my mind racing I felt like I had narrowly escaped

something horrible once I was home I locked all the doors and sat down with the envelope inside was a single sheet of paper with a message written in a neat but chilling handwriting the message read it's not over you'll see me again until then take care of that dog I had no idea who he was or what he wanted but I knew I had to take it seriously I reported the incident to the police and showed them the note they took it seriously but said they couldn't do much without more information I still think about

that night I haven't picked up any more hitchhikers since then and I make sure to be extra cautious when driving alone I can living in my apartment complex in Ohio for a few years now it's a quiet place always seem safe I got home from work late every day usually around 8: or 900 p.m. for the last few weeks something strange started happening it began with a feeling of being watched I'd noticed someone behind me but I never saw them clearly I thought it was just my imagination or maybe I was being paranoid then I

started noticing patterns someone seemed to be trailing me every night they would follow from a distance just enough so I could barely make them out at first I figured it was just a coincidence I tried different routes home but the feeling of being followed remained constant there were times I would Quicken my pace and so would the person behind me I started to keep track of my surroundings more carefully one night I made a point to walk slowly glancing behind me now and then I saw a shadowy figure not far back just enough that I

couldn't make out any details my heart started racing I tried to stay calm hoping they would lose interest and leave when I reached my building I turned around sharply and faced the person who had been following me they were already turning the corner trying to disappear from sight I ran to the corner to catch a glimpse but by then they had vanished the next day I was more Vigilant I watched for anyone who seemed out of place but the person was gone I thought maybe it was a one-time thing but the following evening it started

again the same figure always at the same distance I decided to take action that night I walked home with my phone ready to dial 911 I even took a few detours but the figure stayed behind me never closing the Gap when I reached my apartment I was determined to confront them I got inside quickly locked my door and peered through the peep Hall I saw the figure standing near the entrance to my building watching I stayed quiet waiting for them to leave but they didn't move I was trapped inside knowing they were waiting for me

to come out the next day I saw the same figure now closer to my apartment than before they were standing right outside my building almost as if they were waiting for me to come out I tried to act normal but my anxiety was through the roof I tried to blend in with the crowd of people walking to work I couldn't ignore the danger I felt I decided to report it to the building manager explaining how someone had been following me home the manager took me seriously and promised to look into it they suggested i' keep

my doors locked and be cautious that night I got home and saw no sign of the person following me maybe the building manager had done something or perhaps they had just stopped I let my guard down a bit but I kept checking outside every few minutes a few days later I came home early and saw the figure again they were standing right outside my apartment door my heart skipped a beat I called the police but they said they couldn't do much without more evidence the next day the building manager arranged for extra security trolls I

felt a little safer knowing someone would be keeping watch the figure was still around but they never came close to my apartment again it continued like this for a while the figure would follow me but never get too close they seemed to be taunting me showing up near my apartment and then disappearing it was clear they were trying to unsettle me and it worked eventually the figure stopped appearing I don't know if they moved on or if the increased security made them back off I still watch my surroundings more carefully now I make sure my

doors are locked and I stay aware of my surroundings The Experience left me shaken and I'm more cautious about who I led into my life it was a relief when the figure finally disappeared but the fear and tension lingered for a long time I was house sitting for my parents while they were away on vacation their house is in a quiet part of Pennsylvania surrounded by trees and Hills it was supposed to be a peaceful week the first few days went by without incident I took care of the mail watered the plants and kept the

house in order one night as I was getting ready for bed I heard footsteps coming from upstairs I paused thinking it was just the ow settling but the sounds continued slow and deliberate I went upstairs to check but there was no one there I checked all the rooms even the bathroom and found nothing out of the ordinary the footsteps seemed to stop so I went back downstairs I told myself it was probably just my imagination or some noise from the old house I locked up turned off the lights and went to bed the noise did

not come back that night and I managed to sleep though I woke up a few times feeling uneasy the next morning I was making coffee when I noticed the atct door was open I don't remember ever seeing it open before the attic was a place I had never really explored my parents kept it locked up for as long as I could remember it was strange that it was open now I went to the attic door which was at the end of the hall the door was heavy and Dusty I pushed it open slowly revealing a

steep narrow staircase leading up to the attic the light in the hallway didn't reach very far up there so it was dark I hesitated but my Cher curiosity got the better of me I crapped a flashlight from the kitchen and made my way up the stairs the wooden steps creeped under my weight and the air was musty and stale I reached the top and Shone the light around the attic was cluttered with old furniture boxes and forgotten items I carefully walked through the attic shining my light on everything there was nothing unusual just old things

covered in sheets and dust I saw an old rocking chair some old Trunks and several cardboard boxes stacked in the corner nothing seemed out of place still uneasy I went back downstairs and closed the attic door I checked all the windows and doors to make sure everything was Secure I didn't know why the attic door had been open but I wanted to make sure it was closed and locked that night I was on edge I kept hearing small noises like scratching or shifting coming from above I convinced myself it was just a house settling again

I tried to stay calm and get some sleep but each time I closed my eyes I kept thinking about that attic door around midnight I heard the footsteps again they were louder this time and it sounded like they were moving around upstairs I got up and went to check but when I reached the top of the stairs the sound St stopped the upstairs was silent I went to each room but everything seemed normal when I got back to my room I locked the door behind me I sat on the bed trying to calm down the

noises didn't come back and eventually I fell asleep though it was a restless night the next morning I found the attic door open again it was almost as if someone had been up there during the night I went up to check once more but there was nothing different the attic was as I had left it I felt a chill run down my spine as I closed the door again I called my parents and told them about the noises and the open attic door they were concerned but reassured me that the house was old and creaky

they suggested I check the locks and make sure everything was Secure I agreed and spent the rest of the day making sure the house was as secure as POS possible that night I made sure to lock the attic door tightly I even put a small chair against the door just in case I went to bed trying to ignore the fear that had settled in my stomach the next few nights were uneventful I didn't hear any more footsteps or strange noises it was as if whatever had been bothering me had finally stopped my parents returned home

and I was relieved to hand the house back to them I never mentioned the noises or the atct door to them they had enough to worry about and I didn't want to add to their stress I was just glad that my time house sitting was over and then I could go back to my own place looking back I'm still not sure what was going on maybe it was just an old house making hot noises or maybe someone had been trying to scare me I took a late night train from New Jersey to get home after

a long day I was exhausted and just wanted to get back the train was pretty empty and I found a seat towards the middle I settled in and tried to relax but the journey seemed to drag on longer than usual as the train picked up speed I noticed a group of three men sitting a few rows ahead of me they were talking loudly but I wasn't paying much attention until I heard one of them mention something about a big mess and getting rid of the evidence my curiosity got the better of me so I tried

to listen in without being too obvious the men's conversation got more detailed they started talking about a crime they had just committed the way they spoke was chilling they discussed how they had planned everything and how they had made sure not to leave any clues behind my heart started racing as I realized the seriousness of what they were talking about I knew I had to be careful I didn't want to get involved or draw attention to myself I kept my head down and tried to focus on my phone pretending to scroll through social media but

I couldn't help glancing over at them from time to time the men were animated and their conversation became more intense one of them suddenly looked back towards my direction I froze my heart pounding he seemed to make a contact with me for a split second before turning away I hoped he hadn't noticed me listening I kept my gaze fixed on my phone trying to ignore the feeling of tread creeping over me a few minutes later one of them men got up and walked towards where I was sitting he stopped a couple of rows away his

eyes scanning the empty seats I held my breath trying to act as normal as possible he eventually turned and walked back to his friends I could hear them laughing quietly now but it did nothing to ease my nerves when the train slowed down for a station stop I considered getting off to avoid any confrontation but I was too far from the door and the train was still moving I wasn't sure if getting off would even help I could hear the group getting more animated again their voices Rising the train started moving again and the tension

in the air was palpable I glanced towards the men once more and saw that they were now all staring in my direction they had clearly noticed me one of them the one who had looked at me earlier gave me a chilling smile it was then that I understood they knew I had overheard their conversation my mind raced as I tried to think of what to do I considered going to the conductor but I didn't want to make any sudden movements that could provoke them I needed to stay calm and think carefully the group seemed to

discuss their plans again their voices getting lower and more menacing one of them said he's heard too much we can't let him get off the train my blood ran cold they were talking about me I had to find a way to protect myself I decided to go to the bathroom hoping it might buy me some time I walked as quickly as I could without drawing attention once inside I locked the door and tried to steady my breathing I thought about my options but nothing seemed like a good plan I knew I had to get off

the train and find safety but the station wasn't for another while I waited in the bathroom my heart racing with every sound I heard I could hear Footsteps in the hallway and I prayed they wouldn't come near the bathroom after what felt like an eternity the train slowed again it was a small station and I hoped it was a stop where I could get off quickly I waited for the train to stop and when it did I peaked out of the bathroom to see if it was clear the hallway was empty but I could hear

the group's voices coming closer I knew I had to act fast I slipped out of the bathroom and made my way to the nearest exit I kept my head down trying to blend in with the few passengers who were getting off as soon as the train came to a complete stop I rushed out and headed towards the station building I didn't look back but I could hear the group's voices fading as they stayed on the train I felt a rush of relief as I entered the station and saw a security guard near the the entrance

I approached the guard and told him everything that had happened he called the authorities and I gave them my statement they were concerned and promised to investigate they assured me that the train would be checked and they would look into the group of men I described I waited at the station until my ride arrived the all experience left me Shak him I couldn't believe how close I had come to something terrible when I find we got home I felt an overwhelming sense of relief and safety the incident made me more cautious about traveling late at

night I checked into the motel just outside of baton rou dusk the air was thick with humidity and I was tired from driving all day the place wasn't much a single story building with faded blue paint and a sign that flickered every few seconds but it was cheap and that's all I cared about at the time the woman at the front desk barely looked up when I handed her my card she gave me a room key and pointed down the hall without saying a word the room was small just to bed a TV mounted on

the wall and a bathroom that smelled faintly of bleach I dropped my bag on the floor and collapsed under the bed too exhausted to even think about finding somewhere else to stay after a quick shower I got into bed scrolling mindlessly through my phone the room was silent except for the distant hum of traffic on the highway I felt uneasy but I told myself it was just the unfamiliar surroundings I'd been on the road for hours and and my mind was playing tricks on me it was around midnight when I heard the first knock it

wasn't loud just a soft tapping like someone gently wrapping their Knuckles against the wood I froze my heart pounding in my chest I wasn't expecting anyone and the motel was almost empty when I checked in I waited hoping it was just a mistake but the knocking continued more insistent this time I got out of bed my feet sinking into the thin carpet and walked slowly to the door I pressed my eye to the people but all I could see was darkness no one was there I stood there for a moment my hand hovering over the

doorknob debating whether or not to open it eventually I convinced myself it was nothing probably just some kids messing around and went back to bed not 5 minutes later the knocking started again this time it was louder more urgent I sat up in bed my art racing I knew I should ignore it but something in me wanted to confront whoever was out there I threw the covers off and marched to the door this time swinging it open without checking the peep Hall the hallway was empty there was no one there the only sound was the

faint buzzing of the overhead lights flickering slightly as if they might go out at any second I stepped out into the Hall looking left and right but saw nothing the other doors were closed and the place was eily quiet I shut the door and locked it double-checking the chain I tried to go back to sleep but I couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right my nerves were on edge and every little noise made me jump I lay there in the dark staring at the ceiling listening for any sign of movement then just as I

was starting to drift off the knocking came again this time it was different slow deliberate like whoever was out there was trying to get a rise out of me I clenched my teeth willing myself to stay in bed but the sound kept coming persistent and unnerving I finally snapped I jumped out of bed grabbed my phone and rushed to the door but before I could open it I noticed something a small piece of paper had been slipped under the door just barely visible in the dim light I picked it up my hand shaking the paper

was old yellowed around the edges like it had been crumpled up and flattened out again there was writing on it scrawled in a messy almost frantic hand it was just my name nothing else no message no explanation just my name a chill ran down my spine I looked at the door then back at the note my mind racing how do they know my name I hadn't spoken to anyone except the woman at the front desk and she didn't seem the type to play pranks I glanced at the peep Hall again but the hallway was still

empty I stood there for what felt like forever trying to figure out what to do every instinct told me to leave but my legs wouldn't move I was paralyzed by fear my mind spinning with possibilities was someone watching me had they been following me since I checked in the thought made my skin crawl eventually I forced myself to move I cracked my bag stuffing my things into it as quickly as I could my hands were trembling so badly that I could barely zip it up I knew I had to get out of there but the

thought of opening the door again and filled me with Dread just as I reached for the door knob the knocking started again it was louder this time almost frantic like they were trying to break the door down I stumbled back dropping my bag and ran to the bathroom I locked the door behind me my heart pounding in my ears I sat on the edge of the bathtub trying to control my breathing the knocking continued Relentless and unnerving I stared at the bathroom door half expecting it to burst open at any moment I had no idea

what was happening but I knew I wasn't safe the knocking finally stopped and the silence that followed was even worse I waited straining to hear any sound but there was nothing just that oppressive suffocating silence I stayed in the bathroom for what felt like hours too afraid to move when I finally gathered the courage to leave I crept back into the room my eyes stting to the door there was no sound no sign of anyone outside the piece of paper with my name on it lay on the floor where I dropped it a stark reminder

of how real this all was I crapped my bag and bolted for the door I didn't even check the hallway this time I just ran my footsteps echoing loudly in the empty Corridor I didn't stop until I was in my car the engine roaring to life as I sped out of the parking lot I didn't look back I didn't want to know if someone was watching me leave all I could think about was putting as much distance between me and that Motel as possible I drove for hours my mind replaying the events of the night

over and over again I got off the bus thinking it was the right stop it was just after Sunset the light fading fast and I quickly realized I made a mistake the bus pulled away kicking up dust leaving me in the middle of nowhere there was nothing around just an empty road stretching out in both directions no buildings no street lights nothing I looked at my phone to check the map but there was no signal I tried to stay calm telling myself I could just walk to the next stop or find a town up ahead

it couldn't be that far right but as I started walking I got this sinking feeling in my gut the road was too quiet no cars no noise just the sound of my footsteps on the pavement I kept walking hoping I'd see a sign or something soon after a while I heard a car approaching from behind I turned around relieved at first thinking I could maybe hit a ride but as the car got closer it slowed down it didn't pass me just crept along in my walking pace I couldn't see who was driving the headlights were

too bright blinding me I tried to ignore it thinking maybe they were just being cautious but it felt wrong my instincts were screaming at me I quickened my Pace hoping theyd get bored and drive on but the car stayed right behind me that's when the fear really set in I glanced over my shoulder again and the car was still there following me like a shadow I decided to walk faster my heart pounding in my chest the car kept up the engine humming quietly as it rolled along beside me I thought about running but the road

was so so empty so exposed there was nowhere to hide just open desert stretching out on either side if I ran they could easily catch up I tried to think of another plan but my mind was racing and I couldn't focus suddenly the car sped up and pulled in front of me blocking my path the door opened and I saw a man step out he was tall wearing a baseball cap pulled low over his face he stood there for a moment just watching me and I froze every instinct told me to run but my legs

wouldn't move he called out to me his voice too casual asking if I needed a ride I shipped my head trying to keep my distance but he took a step closer I told him I was fine that I was just going to keep walking but he didn't seem to care what I said there was something in his tone that made my skin crawl I backed away and that's when he lunged at me I turned and ran as fast as I could I heard him shout something but I didn't stop to listen my legs were burning

my lungs felt like they were on fire but I kept running not daring to look back the sound of the car engine roared behind me I knew he was chasing me the tires screeching as he tried to catch up I feared off the road stumbling into the into the desert hoping the rough terrain would slow him down the crowd was uneven rocks and bushes tripping me up but I didn't stop I could hear the car crashing through the brush the headlights cutting through the darkness getting closer I spotted a small Ridge up ahead and sprinted

towards it my only thought was to get out of sight I scrambled up the rocks my hands scraping against the sharp edges but I didn't care I had to get away I threw myself down behind a large Boulder trying to catch my breath praying he hadn't seen where I went I could hear the car stop nearby the engine idling I held my breath my body shaking with fear the silence dragged on and I could hear the crunch of footsteps on gravel he was looking for me I pressed myself against The Rock trying to make myself

as small as possible the foot steps got closer and I squeezed my eyes shut terrified that he would find me he was so close I could hear him breathing hear the gravel shift under his weight but then he stopped I didn't move didn't dare to breathe after what felt like an eternity I heard him mutter something under his breath and then the footsteps retreated the car door slammed and the engine wed as he drove off I waited afraid to believe it was over I stayed hidden behind that Boulder until I couldn't hear the car anymore

until the Silence of the desert was all that surrounded me only then did I let myself breathe again I knew I couldn't stay there though I needed to find help find a way out of this nightmare but as I got up and started walking again every shadow seemed like a threat every noise made me jump the road was still empty stretching out in ly in front of me and I felt so alone it took hours of walking before I finally saw headlights in the distance and this time it wasn't the same car a pickup truck

slowed down as it approached and I waved my arms desperate for help the driver rolled down the window an older man with kind eyes asking if I needed a ride I hesitated for just a second before climbing in as we drove away I kept looking over my shoulder half expecting to see that car coming after me again but it never did I rented a cabin in North Carolina for the weekend just a little get away from the city it was this cozy Place tucked into the woods not too far from Asheville the pictures online looked

great and the host had good reviews so I booked it without much thought when I arrived it was just as advertised quiet peaceful surrounded by trees the perfect escape the host a man in his late 40s met me when I arrived he seemed nice enough maybe a bit too friendly but nothing had set off alarm Bells he showed me around the cabin pointing out the fireplace the deck and where to find extra towels he mentioned that he lived nearby just up the road if I needed anything I nodded along eager to settle in and enjoy

the Solitude the first night was uneventful I made dinner watched a movie and eventually fell asleep to the sound of rain tapping on the roof it was relaxing exactly I needed but the next day things started to feel off I woke up late and decided to explore the cabin a bit more it had this old charm to it with creaky floors and heavy wooden furniture as I wandered around I noticed a small door near the back of the bedroom it was low to the ground almost like a crawl space and painted the same color as

the walls I hadn't noticed it before curiosity got the better of me so I tried to handle it was locked that struck me as strange why would a door inside a rental be locked I figured it was probably just storage or something but it nodded me all day that evening as the rain picked up again I couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong the cabin felt different less inviting I kept glancing at that hidden door imagining what could be behind it eventually I couldn't take it anymore I had to see what was inside I

searched the cabin for a key thinking maybe the host had left one somewhere but no luck then I noticed a small gap between the door and the frame I used a butter knife to pry it open and after some effort the lock gave way the door creeped open revealing a narrow staircase leading down into darkness I hesitated every instinct told me to leave it alone but I couldn't I cracked my phone for light and started down the stairs the air grew colder as I descended and the smell of dampness hit me when I reached the

bottom I found myself in a small dimly lit room the walls were lined with shelves and on those shelves were dozens of old photo albums my heart pounded as I pulled one down and opened it the first few pages were filled with pictures of people couples families all smiling in various rooms of the cabin they looked like normal vacation photos at first but then I noticed something strange the angles were all wrong like they were taken through a crack in the wall or a hole in the ceiling none of the people in the photos seemed

to know they were being watched I flipped through more pages and the photos got worse people sleeping people changing clothes all completely unaware they were being photographed my hands started to shake I recognized some of the rooms in the cabin the bedroom the bathroom my stomach churned as I realized I could have been photographed too I wanted to leave right then but I couldn't tear myself away I opened another album and this one was even more disturbing the people in these photos looked frightened like they knew they were being watched but couldn't figure out how

Their Eyes Were wide glancing around the room searching for the source of their unease some of the photos showed them trying to cover windows or block doors and then towards the end of the album there were pictures of them leaving the cabin in a hurry their faces pale with fear I slammed the album shut my mind racing I had to get out I stumbled back up the stairs my breath coming in short gasps when I reached the bedroom I noticed something that made my blood run cold the door was closed I was sure I had

left it open I rushed to the front door desperate to leave but when I yanked it open the host was standing there he had this calm almost Serene expression on his face like he knew exactly what I had found goinging somewhere he asked his voice smooth too smooth I stammered something about needing to leave but he didn't move he just stood there blocking the doorway his eyes fixed on me I could feel the weight of his gaze feel the pressure of the situation closing in around me I noticed the door was open he said his

tone light like we were discussing the weather that door is supposed to stay locked you know my heart was pounding so hard I thought it might burst I tried to stay calm tried to think of a way out but he didn't give me much time he stepped inside closing the door behind him you shouldn't have gone down there he said quietly it's private I backed away my mind Racing for an escape the cabin suddenly felt small suffocating the walls seemed to close and around me as I realized I was trapped I think you should leave

I managed to say my voice shaking now he smiled but it didn't reach his eyes I don't think that's going to happen in a Flash I darted past him shoving him aside with all the strength I had he stumbled caught off guard and I yanked the door open again I didn't look back as I ran on into the rain sprinting down the muddy path towards my car I fumbled with the keys my hands trembling and finally managed to unlock the door I jumped in started the engine and sped off without a second thought I was

driving late at night on a highway in Colorado it was a long stretch of road nothing but Darkness and the occasional sign telling me how far away the next town was I had been on the road for hours trying to make it to my destination before morning the only sound was the um of the tires on the asphalt and the occasional gust of wind against the car I hadn't seen another car in miles it was just me in the road the sky was Pitch Black no moon no stars just the beam of my headlights cutting

through the darkness I was tired but I had to keep going stopping on a deserted Highway in the middle of nowhere didn't seem like a good idea then I noticed something in my rearview mirror at first it was just a faint glow far off in the distance I thought it was another car maybe someone else traveling late at night like me but as the glow got closer I realized the car's headlights were off it was just a dark shape barely visible in the mirror I Shrugged it off thinking maybe it was someone who forgot to

turn their lights on but as it got closer a feeling of unees crept over me why would someone be driving with their lights off on a road like this so late at night I tried to ignore it and kept driving hoping they would just pass me by but the car didn't pass it stayed behind me close enough that I could feel it but far enough that I couldn't see it clearly the headlights still weren't on I pressed down on the gas speeding up a little thinking maybe they take the hint and go around me but

when I sped up so did they the distance between us stayed the same always just out of sight my on the steering wheel tightened something wasn't right I slowed down hoping they pass but the car slowed down too matching my speed exactly it was like they were toying with me staying just behind never revealing themselves my art started race I didn't know what to do there was no one else on the road no place to stop no way to get help it was just me in this car that seemed to be playing some kind of

sick game I tried to stay calm but every time I looked in the mirror that dark shape was there following me taunting me I couldn't shake the feeling that whoever was driving the car wasn't just messing around they had a purpose and it wasn't good I took a deep breath and decided to try something else I eased off the gas letting the car slow down gradually almost to a crawl maybe they'd get bored and leave me alone but they didn't the car behind me slowed down too keeping the same distance always just out of sight

I felt trapped my mind raced with thoughts of what could happen next I considered pulling over but the thought of stopping on the side of the road with that car behind me made my skin crawl I had to keep moving but I didn't know where to go then without warning the car behind me sped up it came closer so close I could almost see the outline of it in my mirror my heart pounded in my chest as I pressed the gas pedal trying to to put some distance between us but it was too late the

car pulled up alongside me its headlights still off I glanced over but the windows were tinted so dark I couldn't see inside my pulse was racing I had no idea what they wanted but I knew it wasn't good then they swerved towards me forcing me towards the shoulder my tire screeched as I fought to keep control of the car the other car swerved again and I felt my car Lurch to the side Panic set in I couldn't out run them couldn't get away they were trying to run me off the road I tried to stay

calm tried to keep the car steady but they were Relentless every time I corrected they swered again pushing me closer and closer to the edge my hands were shaking my breath coming in ragged gasps I didn't know how much longer I could hold on then with one final swerf they forced me off the road my car spun out of control skitting across the shoulder and into the dirt I slammed on the brakes but it was too late the car came to a stop half off the road dust and gravel flying everywhere I sat there for

a moment my heart pounding trying to catch my breath I looked in the mirror expecting to see the other car but they were gone just vanished into the night like they were never there I didn't waste any time I put the car in gear and got back on the road my hands trembling as I gried the wheel I drove as fast as I could not stopping until I reached the next town I checked into the Mortal late exhausted from the drive it was one of those places you only stop it because you've been on the

road too long and it's the only option for Miles the neon sign flickered as I pulled into the gravel lot and the building looked worn down like it hadn't been updated in decades but I didn't care I just needed a bed for the night the guy at the front desk barely looked up I asked for a room he handed me a key without a word just nodded towards the hallway the place smelled faintly of mildew and the carpet was worn thin I walked to my room number eight at the end of the hall the door

creaked as I pushed it open the room wasn't much better the bedspread was faded the curtains barely hanging on their rods and there was a draft coming from the window but it was quiet and that was enough I set my bag on the chair and looked around that's when I noticed the scratches they were on the wall by the bed thin jacked lines that ran down towards the floor at first I thought maybe someone had move the furniture and scraped the wall but as I looked closer I saw the scratches weren't just on the wall

they were on the dresser too deep couches in the wood like someone had dragged something sharp across it I felt a chill creep up my spine but I brushed it off old motels like this one probably saw all kinds of rough use people didn't care about keeping things nice when they were just passing through I told myself it was nothing in tried to forget about it I took a shower the water lukewarm and the pressure barely enough to rinse the soap off when I got out I noticed the mirror was fogged up I wiped it

with my hand and saw more scratches on the bathroom door long and deep I stared at them for a moment trying to figure out what could have made them but again I pushed it out of my mind I was too tired to care I crawled into bed the sheet stiff and smelling faintly of bleach I turned off the light and lay there in the dark listening to the wind outside the scratches bothered me though I could couldn't stop thinking about them they didn't seem random they felt deliberate like someone had been in that room angry

or desperate and they' taken it out on the walls and Furniture I tried to fall asleep but I kept hearing noises a faint creaking like someone was walking around outside my door I told myself it was just the old building settling but the sound kept coming back soft but persistent then there was a faint tap tap tap on the wall I sat up listening it was probably just the wind I told myself again but it didn't sound like the wind I got up to check the door making sure it was locked as I was about

to go back to bed I noticed something under the bed it was a book tucked halfway beneath the frame curious I pulled it out it was an old beat up Di the cover worn in the pages yellowed I wasn't sure why but I felt compelled to open it the first few pages were normal entries from someone passing through talking about their trip but as I fli through the tone changed the writing became frantic the senten is short and choppy the entries talked about strange things happening in the room scratches appearing on the walls things moving

on their own a constant feeling of being watched one entry caught my eye it warned about staying in room eight the writer mentioned hearing footsteps at night seeing shadows move across the walls they wrote that they tried to leave but every time they opened the door they found it locked even when it wasn't the last entry was scribbled barely legible it said if you find this leave now my heart raced as I read those words I glanced around the room feeling suddenly exposed the air seemed heavier the Shadows darker I wanted to believe it was

just a prank something someone had written to mess with the next guest but it didn't feel like a joke it felt real I shoved the diary back under the bed and grabbed my bag I wasn't going to stay in that room another minute I headed for the door but when I tried tried to open it the handle wouldn't turn my stomach dropped I twisted the knob harder pulling and pushing but it didn't budge the door was stuck Panic set in I banged on the door yelling for help but no one answered the wind held outside

but inside it was dead quiet too quiet I turned around my back pressed to the door and scanned the room the Shadows seemed to move shifting in the corners creeping closer I could hear the tapping sound again faint but steady like something was scratching at the walls I packed away from the door my eyes darting around the room the wind outside picked up making the window rattle but inside it was stifling the air thick with tension I looked at the window thinking maybe I could get out that way but when when I tried to open

it it wouldn't budge either the frame was warped the glass dirty and smeared with something I couldn't identify I was trapped I tried the door again pulling with all my strength but it stayed locked my heart was pounding in my chest my breath coming in short gasps I didn't know what to do the scratches on the wall seemed to mock me a reminder that I wasn't the first person to feel this way in that room then I heard footsteps outside the door heavy deliberate steps like someone was pacing back and forth I froze listening the

footsteps stopped right outside my door I held my breath waiting for something to happen there was a knock soft at first then louder I didn't answer the knock came again more insistent I pressed myself against the wall away from the door my eyes wi with fear I didn't know who what was on the other side but I didn't want to find out the knock stopped and for a moment there was silence then I heard the door Creak like someone was trying to handle from the outside my heart raced as I watched the knob twist slowly

then stop whoever was out there couldn't get in just like I couldn't get out I stayed still barely breathing waiting for them to leave but the footsteps didn't move away they stayed right outside the door pacing back and forth waiting I felt trapped helpless the room seemed to close in on me the walls pressing closer the scratches digging into my mind I don't know how long I stood there but eventually the footsteps faded and the room was silent again I waited too scared to move until I finally gathered the courage to try the door one

last time this time the handle turned and the door swung open I didn't wait to see what was out there I crapped my bag and bolted down the hall not stopping until I was in my car the engine roaring to life I didn't look back as I sped away the motel Fading Into the Night behind me to this day I can still feel the weight of that room the scratches etched into my memory I don't know who or what was in there there before me but I'm just glad I got out I checked into the

hotel late just past midnight my flight had been delayed and I was exhausted the airport was only a few minutes away and this hotel was the closest option the lobby was quiet the kind of quiet that only comes when the night is settled in and everyone else is already asleep the receptionist barely looked at me as she handed me the key card she muttered something about breakfast hours but I wasn't paying attention I just wanted to get to my room take a shower and crash for the night when I got to the room I swiped

the key card and pushed the door open the lights were dim and the room had that standard impersonal Hotel feel bed desk TV on the wall the air conditioner hummed quietly and the smell of stale air lingered I noticed the suitcase almost immediately it was sitting in the corner near the window half hidden by the curtain my first thought was that the hotel had given me a room that was still occupied I hesitated wondering if I should go back to the front desk and asked for another room but then I looked around more carefully the

bed was made towels were neatly folded on the bathroom counter there was no sign of anyone else having been in there recently curiosity got the better of me I walked over to the suitcase and crouched down it was an old beat up thing black with scuffed edges the Zipper was half undone like someone had been in an hurry when closed it my hand hovered over it for a moment before I finally pulled the zipper all the way open inside there were stacks of cash neat orderly piles of bills all bound with rubber bands I fro

staring at it there had to be tens of thousands of dollars in there my mind raced what the hell was this doing in my room and then I saw the note if was just a small folded piece of paper tucked between the bills my hands were shaking as I opened it it was a simple message delivered to 1029 Cypress Avenue do not contact anyone you have until 2: a.m. I glanced at the clock on the nightstand it was 12:45 a.m. the address was only a few miles away but that didn't give me much time my

heart started pounding in my chest I didn't know what to do part of me wanted to take the money and Lun but the rest of me knew that whoever left this here wouldn't let me get away that easily I sat down on the bed staring at the suitcase I could hear the arm of the air conditioner the distant sound of a plane taking off my thoughts were jumbled a mix of fear and confusion find me why this room before before I could make a decision there was a knock on the door it was soft at

first almost hesitant my heart skipped a beat I didn't move maybe if I stayed quiet whoever it was would go away but the knock came again Lotter this time my stomach Twisted in knots I stood up moving towards the door as quietly as I could I peered through the peep Hall there was some man standing on the other side he was tall dressed in a dark jacket his face hidden in the shadow cast by the hallway light I couldn't make out his features but I could feel the tension in the way he stood like he

was ready to force his way in I backed away from the door the knocking became more insistent a pounding that echoed through the room whoever this was they weren't going to leave my mind raised I could call the front desk but what would I say that there was a man in my door and I found a suitcase full of money in my room they wouldn't believe me and even if they did that man outside wouldn't just disappear because I asked for help I looked around the room trying to think of another way out to window

I rushed over and pulled the curtain aside I was on the second floor but there was an emergency stair case just a few feet away I could make it if I was fast the pounding on the door grew louder more desperate I crapped the suitcase without thinking slung it over my shoulder and unlocked the window the night air hit me like a shock cold and sharp I crawled out onto the metal platform my heart racing as I climbed down the steps I heard the door to my room burst open I didn't stop to look back

I just kept going my feet hitting the ground harder with each step the suitcase was Heavy weighing me down but I didn't dare leave it behind I hit the Pavan and ran the hotel parking lot was empty just rows of darkened cars my own car was parked on the far side and I made a beine for it I could hear footsteps behind me fast and determined they were catching up I fumbled with my keys nearly dropping them in my panic I could feel the man getting closer his footsteps echoing off the pavement my hands were

shaking so badly that it took me three tries to unlock the door I threw the suitcase into the passenger seat and jumped in slamming the door shut just as the man reached for me I didn't look at him as I sped out of the lot tires screeching on the asphalt I could see him in the rear view mirror standing in the middle of the road watching me as I drove away I didn't stop until I was miles from the hotel my hands gripping the steering wheel so tightly my Knuckles turned white I pulled over in

a deserted parking lot my breath coming in ragged gasps the suitcase was still sitting on the seat next to me the note crumpled on top of it I didn't know what to do my phone buzzed in my pocket and I jumped it was a text from an unknown remember you have 1 hour left don't be late I sat there for a long moment the weight of the situation pressing down on me I knew I had no choice I couldn't run couldn't hide whoever these people were it wouldn't let me get away I started the car

again and headed for Cypress Avenue the suitcase sitting heavy in the seat next to me the streets were dark and empty the city asleep around me every shadow felt like it was watching me every car that passed made my our race when I finally reached 1029 Cypress Avenue it was a rundown Warehouse on the edge of town the kind of place where no one would hear you scream I parked the car and sat there for a moment staring at the building my phone buzzed again leave the suitcase at the door walk away I did as

I was told the suitcase felt even heavier as I carried it to the door I set it down took one last look at the building and turned to leave as I walked back to my car I heard the door Creak open behind me I didn't look back I just kept walking my heart pounding in my chest the car door felt like a Lifeline as I climbed in and drove away by the time I made it back to the airport the sun was starting to rise I returned my rental car ported the first flight out of

town and never looked back I moved into the apartment in Georgia because it was cheap and I needed a place fast the landlord seemed friendly enough when I met him he was in his 50s maybe older with craying hair and a tired face he didn't say much just handed me the keys and told me to let him know if I needed anything at first everything was fine the apartment was small but cozy the walls were thin and I could hear my neighbors sometimes but I figured that was normal I kept to myself unpack my things

and tried to settle in but then I started noticing strange things small things at first the door to my apartment would be unlocked when I came home even though I was sure I locked it I thought maybe I was just forgetting sometimes my stuff would be in a different spot than where I left it a book on the table a dish in the sink I tried to brush it off maybe I was just stressed from the move then I started seeing the landlord more often he would be outside when I left for work just standing

there staring sometimes when I came home I'd see him near the entrance to the building just watching me he never said anything just looked at me with that tired empty expression one night I heard footsteps outside my door it was late maybe around 2:00 a.m. I was lying in bed half asleep and I could hear someone walking in the hallway the footsteps stopped right in front of my door I held my breath listening then I heard the doorknob rattle like someone was trying to open it I froze the door didn't open but I could hear

breathing on the other side slow heavy breathing I waited terrified until the footsteps finally moved away I didn't sleep much that night the next day I called the landlord and told him about it he acted like it was no big deal he said maybe it was someone from another apartment but I knew it wasn't the way he said it so casually made my skin crawl after that I started locking the door with the dead bolb every time I left but the strange things kept happening my food would be missing from the fridge my clothes would

be messed with I knew someone was coming into my apartment when I wasn't there I decided to install a camera I found a small cheap one online that I could hide on a shelf in my bedroom I set it up so it would record Whenever there was movement I wanted to catch whoever was sneaking into my place the first few days there was nothing on the footage just me coming and going getting ready for bed watching TV I started to think maybe maybe I was just paranoid that there was no one coming in after all

but then one night I came home from work and found the door unlocked again I knew I had locked it when I left that morning my heart was racing as I checked the camera footage at first everything seemed normal the camera recorded me leaving in the morning locking the door behind me the apartment was empty for hours then around noon the footage showed the door opening the landlord walked in like he owned the place he didn't even hesitate he walked straight into my bedroom and started going through my things he opened drawers looked under the

bed even checked the bathroom he moved around like he'd done it aund times before I was shaking as I watched I wanted to turn it off but I couldn't look away the footage showed him spending at least 20 minutes in my apartment just looking through my stuff then he left locking the door behind him but it wasn't over that night after I went to bed the camera recorded movement again I was asleep lying on my side facing the wall the door to my bedroom opened slowly and the landlord stepped inside he moved so quietly like

he didn't want to wake me he just stood there at the foot of my bed staring down at me the footage showed him standing there for what felt like forever just watching me sleep my breath caught in my throat as I watched I could see myself on the screen completely unaware vulnerable and there he was just inches away then he did something that made my blood run cold he leaned down so close that his face was just above mine and he whispered something I couldn't hear it on the footage but I could see his lips

moving then he reached out like he was going to touch me but he pulled back at the last second he left the room but not before looking back one last time the camera showed him closing the door behind him and everything went dark again I didn't sleep that night I didn't know what to do I was too scared to stay but I had nowhere else to go go I couldn't confront him I didn't even want to think about what he might do if he knew I had recorded him the next morning I packed a bag

and left the apartment I went to a friend's place and told her everything she helped me contact the police they took the footage and said they'd investigate but I never went back to that apartment I couldn't I don't know what happened to the landlord I don't want to know all I know is that I got out and I'm never staying in a place like that again I was on the bus heading back home late at night night it was one of those long rides across New Mexico with nothing but desert stretching out on either side

of the highway the bus was almost empty just me and one other guy sitting a few rows ahead he looked like he had been on the bus for a while slouched in his seat the hood pulled low over his face I didn't pay much attention to him at first I just wanted to get home and sleep but after a while I started to notice that he kept turning around to look at me not a quick glance either he would stare at me for a few seconds before turning back around at first I thought maybe he

was just Restless like he couldn't sleep but then it kept happening every few minutes he'd turn around and look at me it started to make me uncomfortable I tried to ignore him focusing on the few outside the window but there wasn't much to see out there just darkness and the occasional faint glow from a distant town the bus rumbled along the sound of the tires on the road the only noise I glanced up again and there he was staring right at me this time he didn't look away when I caught him that's when I started

to feel nervous I shifted in my seat trying to decide if I should move or say something but where would I go the bus was nearly EMP and moving closer to the front would just put me further away from the driver I told myself I was overreacting maybe he was just weird or maybe he thought he recognized me from somewhere but then he got up slowly like he was trying not to draw attention he stood up and started walking toward the back of the bus toward me my heart started pounding I tried to keep calm

thinking maybe he was just going to the bathroom or something but he wasn't he stopped right next to my seat and stood there not saying anything just looking down at me I looked up at him trying to hide how scared I was he was taller than I expected and up close I could see his face better under the hood his eyes were dark almost lifeless and his skin was pale like he hadn't seen the sun in a long time there was something off about him something that made the hairs on the back of my neck

stand up car problem I finally asked trying to sound tough but my voice shook a little he didn't answer right away instead he slowly reached into his jacket and pulled out a knife a long thin blade that glinted in the dim light of the bus my stomach dropped I could feel the blood draining from my face as he held the knife up pointing it at me give me your wallet he said his voice low and cold for a second I couldn't move I was frozen in my seat staring at the knife then my hand started

shaking as I reached for my wallet in my pocket I fumbled with it nearly dropping it as I handed it over to him he snatched it from me and flipped it open pulling out the cash he didn't even look at the carts or my ID just took the money and shoved the wallet back into my chest I thought that would be the end of it but then he leaned in closer the knife still pointed at me phone to he hissed I nodded quickly pulling my phone out of my other pocket my hands were shaking so

badly I almost dropped it but I managed to hand it over he took it slipping it into his jacket without a word for a moment we just stared at each other I was too scared to say anything too scared to move then without warning he stepped back his eyes still locked on mine he didn't put the knife away just held it at his side like he was waiting for me to do something my mind was racing trying to figure out if he was going to hurt me or if he was done finally he turned and

walked back to his seat the knife still in his hand he sat down and I could feel his eyes on me again I didn't move didn't dare look at him I just stared Straight Ahead trying to calm down trying to think of what to do next the bus rolled on through the darkness and the minutes felt like hours I kept expecting him to get up again to come back with a knife but he didn't he just sat there watching me waiting when the bus finally pulled into the next town I cracked my bag and bolted

for the door I didn't look back to to see if he followed me I just ran off the bus out into the night and didn't stop until I was far away from the station I didn't have a plan I didn't know what to do my farm was gone my money too but I was alive and that was all I cared about I kept walking looking over my shoulder every few seconds half expecting him to appear Out of the Shadows eventually I found a police station I told them everything and they took my statement but they

never found him I don't know if he stayed on that bus or if he disappeared into the night all I know is that I never want to see his face again never want to feel that fear again I was on a solo road trip driving through the middle of nowhere in Nevada the stretch of highway seemed endless and the landscape was Barren just miles of desert I'd been on the road for hours my eyes starting to blur from staring at the endless asphalt that's when I saw the sign a faded weathered wooden board barely legible

from the highway it advertised an old Roadside Attraction up ahead I didn't have anywhere to be until the evening so I figured it might be interesting to take a break stretch my legs and see what was left of the place I turned off the highway and followed the dirt road that led to the attraction it was a long bumpy ride with dust kicking up behind my car after a few minutes I reached a small deserted parking lot the place looked like it had been abandoned for years the main building once painted a bright red was

now chipped and peeling a few smaller structures were scattered around all in various stages of Decay Rusty signs advertised attractions that no longer existed see the two-headed snake and world's largest ball of twine I got out of the car and looked around it was eerily quiet not even a priest to break the silence the sun was high in the sky casting harsh Shadows across the broken pavement I cracked my water bottle from the car and started walking toward the main building the front door was hanging off its hinges barely attached I hesitated for a second

before pushing it open stepping inside the interior was just as run down as the outside dust covered everything and broken glass crunched under my feet faded posters lined the walls advertising long for Goten attractions there was a counter at the back of the room where they must have sold tickets and souvenirs I wandered around taking in the remnants of what must have once been a bustling tourist trap now it was nothing but Decay and emptiness as I walked deeper into the building I thought I heard something a soft Shuffle like someone moving quietly I stopped

in my tracks straining to listen but all I heard was silence I shook it off telling myself it was probably just an animal or the wind I continued exploring pushing open a door that led to a back room inside there were old crats stacked against the walls filled with Dusty Trinkets and souvenirs that no one had bothered to take when the place closed down that's when I heard it again a faint rustling sound coming from somewhere nearby I froze my heart starting to pound in my chest it didn't sound like an animal it sounded deliberate

like someone trying to stay hidden I turned around slowly scanning the room but I didn't see anyone I took a deep breath and told myself I was being paranoid it was an old building probably full of creaking wood and shifting debris but the feeling wouldn't go away I couldn't shake the sense that I was being watched I left the back room and stepped outside into the bright sunlight the sudden change in light made me squint and for a moment I felt disoriented I looked around the lot trying to spot anything unusual but everything seemed still

just like before I decided to check out one of the smaller buildings A rundown Shack off to the side as I walked over I glanced back at my car making sure it was still in sight The Shack was even more dilapidated than the main building the door barely hanging on by one hinge I pushed it open with my foot wincing as the wood cwed under the pressure inside it was dark and smelled like mildew the small windows were covered in Grime letting in only slivers of light there were more old crates and broken Furniture piled

up in the corners I stepped inside cautiously my eyes adjusting to the dimness and then I heard it again closer this time the unmistakable sound of someone moving their foot scraping against the floor my breath caught in my throat and I spun around my heart racing I still couldn't see anyone but the noise was too clear to ignore now someone was here with me hiding watching I backed up slowly my eyes darting around the room that's when I caught a glimpse of movement in the corner just a flash like someone ducking behind one of the

crates I swallowed hard trying to keep calm my mind was racing trying to figure out what to do I didn't know if it was just some Drifter looking for a place to sleep or if it was something worse I decided to get out of there I turned and headed for the door trying not to make any sudden movements but as I reached the doorway I heard the sound again footsteps quick and purposeful coming right toward me I bolted out of the sh Jack and back into the open air my heart pounding so hard I could

barely think I looked around frantically trying to spot whoever was following me but the lot was empty I ran back toward the main building hoping to find a place to hide or maybe a weapon anything to protect myself as I reached the entrance I glanced back one more time and that's when I saw him a man tall and thin was standing just outside the shack watching me he was wearing old dirty clothes and his face was partially obscured by a hat but I could see his eyes cold and dark fixed on me he didn't say

anything didn't move he just stood there watching as if waiting to see what I would do next I felt a surge of panic and rushed into the main building slamming the door behind me I looked around trying to find something anything to defend myself with my ice landed on a rusty metal pipe lying on the floor and I crabbed it gripping it tightly in my hands I listened my breath coming in short gasps I could hear footsteps again slow and deliberate coming closer the door creeped open and I held my breath pressing myself against the

wall the pipe raised and ready I could see his shadow through the crack in the door and I knew he was just on the other side he stepped inside and I swam the pipe with all my strength it connected with a sickening thud and the man let out a crunt stumbling back I didn't wait to see if he was hurt I dropped the pipe and ran sprinting out of the building and across the lot to my car my hand shook as I fumbled with the keys finally managing to unlock the door and throw myself inside

I started the engine and sped down the dirt road my heart pounding so hard I thought it might burst in the rearview mirror I saw the man standing in the middle of the lot watching me drive away his face was still hidden in Shadow but I could feel his Gaze on me following me as I Disappeared down the road I didn't stop driving until I was back on my highway miles away from that place I was staying in Boston for a work conference and decided to take a quick walk to clear my ad it was

late and the city streets were mostly empty I was heading back to my hotel I noticed a shortcut a pedestrian tunnel that ran under the street it seemed like a good idea to cut through and save a few minutes the tunnel was dimly lit with flickering lights the concrete walls were grimy and the air felt damp I walked through the tunnel my footsteps echoing softly off the walls it was quiet except for the occasional drip of water somewhere in the darkness about halfway through I heard footsteps behind me I turned around quickly but the tunnel

was empty I Shrugged it off thinking maybe it was just someone else using the tunnel I continued walking but the footsteps started again they were faint at first but they seemed to be getting closer I sped up trying to ignore the growing sense of unease the footsteps followed suit quickening their Pace I glanced back once more but still saw no one the tunnels lights made Eerie Shadows on the walls make making it hard to see clearly Panic started to set in I could feel my heart pounding in my chest I quickened my Pace even more

almost breaking into a jog the footsteps behind me kept getting louder and closer almost like they were right on my heels I stopped and turned around sharply my breath coming in short gasps but again there was no one there I shined my phone's flashlight behind me the beam cutting through the darkness I saw nothing but the empty concrete tunnel stretching out behind me I felt a surge of fear it was unsettling to know someone was there but not be able to see them I started walking again my steps echoing louder as I tried to get

to the end of the tunnel then I heard something else soft irregular breathing it was coming from behind me barely audible but unmistakable I froze my mind racing the sound was closer now like someone was just out of sight following me silently I wanted to scream but my voice was caught in my throat I started walking faster my footsteps now a frantic pounding the tunnel seemed to stretch on forever I tried to stay calm thinking if I just made it to the end I would be safe I looked ahead trying to see the exit but

the end of the tunnel seemed far off shrouded in Shadows I turned around one last time my flashlight beam slicing through the dark for a split second I saw a shadow moving quickly it was a person or at least a figure darting back out of the beam of light my heart raced even faster I ran the rest of the way my lungs burning with the effort I reached the end of the tunnel and burst out into the street I looked back expecting to see someone following me but the tunnel was empty the street was quiet

and desolate with only a few distant lights casting Long Shadows I stood there gasping for breath my mind reeling from the adrenaline I didn't wait around I hurried back to my hotel taking the lawn route to avoid the tummel the streets felt safer even though they were just as empty I was relieved to finally reach my hotel room locking the door behind me that night I couldn't sleep every little sound made me jump and I kept Imagining the footsteps behind me getting closer and closer I told myself it was probably just my imagination but the

fear didn't go away I didn't use that shortcut again and made sure to stay in W it populated areas for the rest of my trip I was working late in my downtown Chicago apartment trying to finish up some reports the city outside was quiet and I was focused on my screen around midnight night I heard a faint scratching noise coming from near my front door I paused listening carefully but couldn't hear anything else I figured it was just the wind or maybe a straight cat I tried to push it out of my mind and went

back to work a few minutes later I heard a louder noise it was unmistakably the sound of my door being forced open my heart raced as I realized someone was breaking in I crafted my laptop and shut it down the soft hum of the computer stopping abruptly I turned off all the lights plunging the apartment Into Darkness I rushed to my bedroom and quickly hid in the closet my breathing was heavy and I had to force myself to stay quiet I could hear footsteps moving around the apartment getting louder as they approached the sound of

furniture being knocked over and drawers being pulled open filled the space the closet door had slats that leted me see out into the room but I had to stay perfectly still I watched as two men came into view they were wearing masks so I couldn't see their faces they moved with purpose tossing aide books and lifing through drawers I could hear their low Gruff voices as they talked to each other discussing what they were looking for my phone was on the coffee table in the living room just a few feet away from where the men

were searching I needed to find a way to call for help but I couldn't risk making any noise I felt a wave of panic as I considered my options if I tried to sneak out they might hear me and catch me in the ACT my mind raised trying to come up with a plan one of The Intruders walked over to the coffee table and picked up my phone my heart sank as I realized he was holding it examining it I could see the screen lighting up briefly probably because of a notification he put it back

down and I let out a quiet sigh of relief but my situation was still dire the men continued to search the apartment and their conversation became more heated they were clearly frustrated that they couldn't find what they were looking for I overheard them mention something about a safe and how they had been told it was here I didn't have a safe but it was clear they were convinced they had the right place I knew I had to act quickly I reached into the closet and found a small box of old office supplies I took a

deep breath and decided to use one of the pens from the box I quietly unscrewed the pen and took out the spring inside using the spring and a piece of string from the box I tried to make a makeshift signal it wasn't much but if I could throw it close enough to the phone maybe I could use the vibration to attract attention I carefully and quietly threw the spring and string towards the living room it landed with a soft dot on the carpet I held my breath hoping it would make enough noise to alert The

Intruders but not so much that it would make them suspicious the men were still arguing about the safe and I heard one of them curse loudly in frustration after a tense few minutes one of the men noticed the string and picked it up I watch watched as he examined it clearly puzzled he seemed to lose interest quickly and tossed it aside I was back to square one but I couldn't give up I needed to find another way I noticed that the men were starting to get more desperate their search was becoming more frantic and they

were now overturning Furniture I decided to try another tactic I slowly moved to the edge of the closet and looked for something I could use as a distraction I spotted an old alarm clock on the shelf above me I grabbed the alarm clock and with great tear set the time to ring in a few minutes I then placed it on the edge of the closet or it would fall out if I notched it I slowly moved it just enough so that when the clock went off it would make a noise and hopefully draw the men's

attention the minutes ticked by slowly my hands were clammy and my heart felt like it was going to bre first from my chest when the alarm clock finally went off it made a loud ringing noise The Intruders stopped their search and turned towards the sound I could see them moving quickly to the source of the noise I took the opportunity to slowly and quietly crawl out of the closet my heart was pounding as I tried to stay as silent as possible I moved towards the coffee table hoping the men would be too distracted by the

noise to notice me I reached for my phone but my fingers fumbled and it almost slipped off the table I crapped it just in time and dialed 911 I kept my voice low whispering to the operator about the situation and my location the operator assured me that help was on the way but it could take a few minutes I ended the call and tried to remain as quiet as possible the men were still searching the apartment but their movements were now more hurried I knew I had to stay hidden until the police arrived I crawled

behind the couch and held my breath listening to the chaos around me minutes felt like hours the sounds of the men's footsteps grew more distant and I could hear sirens approaching in the distance The Intruders finally started to leave the apartment their voices fading away I waited until the apartment was silent again before cautiously emerging from my hiding spot I saw the flashing lights of police cars outside the window and knew help had arrived I opened the door and quickly let the officers in they went through the apartment checking for any remaining Intruders and assessing

the damage they assured me that it was safe to come out now and started taking statements I was shaken but relieved the officers were thorough and checked the apartment for any signs of further tampering they were able to catch up with the Intruders later thanks to the quick response to my call that night was one of the scariest experiences of my life I had never imagined that a simple noise could lead to such a dangerous situation last night was a shift like no other I work as a security guard in a big office building downtown

usually it's pretty quiet I make my rounds check the cameras and make sure everything is locked up but last night something happened that I still can't shake it was around 1:00 a.m. when I got a call on the building emergency line it's a direct line meant for real emergencies only I answered it right away a woman's voice was on the other end trembling and scared she said she was being held against her somewhere in the building I asked her where she was trying to stay calm she said she didn't know exactly but described her room

with no windows and a heavy door my mind raised I knew the Building inside and out and I couldn't think of a room like that I told her to stay quiet and that I would find her I cracked my flashlight and set out to check every floor I started on the ground floor and worked my way up each floor was empty just dark offices and locked doors I kept the phone on me hoping she call back with more information as I reached the top floor I felt a chill the top floor was supposed to be

empty no businesses no offices just storage but the woman's voice was so real so desperate I checked every storage room but they were all empty I went back to the security office to check the cameras I rewind the footage looking for anything unusual that's when I saw something strange on one of the cameras I saw a shadow moving in a hallway on the top floor it was quick but definitely there I had it back up heart pounding I checked the Allway where I saw the shadow but there was nothing no signs of anyone I started

to think I was imagining things but then I heard a faint noise like a door creaking I followed the sound to a wall at the end of the hall way it looked like a regular wall but when I pressed on it it moved a hidden door I couldn't believe it I pushed it open and found a dark staircase leaving down I took a deep breath and descended the stairs at the bottom was a heavy metal door just like the woman described I knocked softly and called out to her she answered right away her voice full

of relief I told her to stand back and try the handle it was locked I looked around and saw a teapad on the wall I had no idea what the cat could be I asked her if she knew but she said her captors always punched it in too fast for her to see I had to think fast I remembered seeing a keypad in the security office with a list of default codes for emergency use I told her I'd be right back and ran up the stairs my legs felt like lead as I sprinted to the

office I found the list and ran back down I tried the first code nothing the second still nothing on the third try the door clicked open I pushed it open and saw her tied to a chair in the middle of the room she looked terrified but unarmed I rushed to her and untied her she thank me over and over tears streaming down her face I told her we needed to get out of there before our captors came back we hurried up the stairs and out into the hallway just as we reached the main hallway I

heard voices the captors were coming back I led her to a nearby office and we H inside holding our breath the voices got closer then stopped right outside the door I could see Shadows moving under the door they were looking for her my heart was pounding so loud I was sure they could hear it but after a few tense minutes they moved on we waited a bit longer then made our way out we got to the ground floor and out the front door I called the police as soon as we were outside they arrived quickly

and took the woman to safety they searched the building but didn't find the captors they had vanished the police questioned me for hours I told them everything I knew but there were still so many questions who were these people why was she being held and how did they know the building so well I didn't get any answers that night I went home exhausted and Shake him I couldn't sleep replaying everything in my mind the woman's voice the hidden door the Shadows under the door it all felt like a nightmare today I'm still trying to process

it all the building feels different now less safe I keep thinking about that woman in what she went through I'm just glad I was there to help even if I don't have all the answers I don't know if I'll ever feel completely safe again but I do no one thing I'll always trust my instincts if I hadn't listened to that call who knows what might have happened to her I went out early that morning hoping to get some quiet time on the lake fishing alone had always been my way of unwinding especially after a stressful

week the weather was perfect a light missed over the water and not tooo cold I set up my gear and cast my line enjoying the Stillness around me after a while I noticed another fisherman not too far from me he was waving and smiling I waved back politely he started walking over his tears slung over his shoulder mourning he called out cheerfully morning I replied trying to focus on my line nice spot you got here he said settling down nearby mind if I join you sure I said though I would have preferred to be alone

he introduced himself as Mark and started chatting about fishing the weather and other small talk I answered politely but kept my responses short he seemed nice enough but really just wanted some peace and quiet after a while Mark's friendliness started to feel it intrusive he kept asking questions about my life where I lived what I did for work I gave fake answers hoping he'd take the hint hey how about we try that spot over there he suggested pointing to a more secluded area of the lake un good here I said not wanting to move come

on I heard it's really good over there he insisted now thanks I think I'll stay put I replied firmly his friendly demeanor changed slightly suit yourself he muttered moving a bit closer to me I started to feel uneasy there was something off about him his questions became more personal more invasive you always come out here alone he asked his tone a bit too curious usually I said trying to keep my voice steady he stared at me for a moment then smiled again but it didn't reach his eyes it's nice isn't it just human in nature

yeah I said glancing at my phone I decided it was time to leave well I think I'm going to head back I said starting to pack up my gear already he asked standing up the best time for fishing is just coming up I've got some to do I said trying to sound casual he stepped closer blocking my path stay a bit longer it's not often you get such good company out here I felt a surge of panic really I need to go I insisted my heart pounding he crabbed my arm I said stay he said

his grip tightening I yanked my arm away let go of me I snapped backing away his friendly mask dropped completely you're not going anywhere he said his voice low and menacing I looked around trying to find a way out the path back to my car was a good distance away and I didn't know if I could outrun him why are you doing this I asked trying to keep in talking while I thought of a plan he Shrugged it's it's more fun with company he said taking a step closer I backed up further my mind racing

I remember the knife in my Tackle Box look I don't want any trouble I said edging toward my gear too late for that he said lunging at me I crapped a knife and swung it out in front of me he stopped Short Ice wide stay back I warned holding the knife between us he sneered you think that scares me stay back I repeated my voice shaking he lunged again and I slashed at him catching his arm he yelled in pain but it didn't stop him he tackled Me Knocking the knife from my hand we struggled

on the ground and I managed to kick him off me I scrambled to my feet and ran toward my car adrenaline giving me a burst of speed I could hear him behind me shouting and cursing I didn't look back just focused on getting to my car I reached it and fumbled for my teas my hand shaking I got the door open and jumped in locking it behind me he pounded on the window but I started the engine and sped off my heart racing I drove straight to the nearest town and went to the police station

they took my statement and sent officers to the lake but by the time they got there Mark was gone I decided to go camping in a remote area of the forest for a few days of solitude and relaxation I picked a spot far from the main Trails hoping for peace and quiet everything was going well until the storm hit it started as a light drizzle but quickly turned into a torrential downpour the wind was howling and the rain was coming down so hard it felt like it might tear my tent apart I packed up what

I could and made a quick decision to find shelter I remembered passing an old barn on the way to the campsite it was a about a half mile away so I cracked my flashlight and started heading in that direction terrain made the crown slippery and I had to be careful not to fall by the time I reached the barn I was soaked through the wind was so Fierce it felt like it might blow me off my feet I pushed the creaky door open and stepped inside the barn was old and musty but it was dry

I shined my flashlight around and saw some scattered hay veils and old farming equipment at least I was out of the rain as I settled into a corner trying to warm up a bit I noticed something strange there were fresh footprints on the dirt floor and the hay around them was Disturbed it looked like someone had been here recently and not just passing through there were also some discarded food wrappers and a couple of empty bottles a shiver ran down my spine I wasn't alone here but I didn't see anyone the storm outside was getting

worse and the sound of the Wind and Rain was so loud it was hard to hear anything else I tried to stay calm and decided to wait it out until the storm passed I kept my flashlight off to avoid drawing attention and sat very still every Creek of the barn made me jump the thought that someone might be hiding in here with me was making it hard to breathe I kept listening trying to detect any sounds that might hint at someone else's presence the storm raged on and it felt like the wind was getting even

stronger I heard a loud bang outside and my heart nearly stopped I looked around the barn searching for any possible weapons or ways to defend myself the only thing I could find was a rusty Pitchfork which I picked up and held close hoping it would be enough if I needed it the barn door creaked open and I froze I was sure I had closed it properly I quietly moved to a spot where I could see the door without being seen myself through the gaps in the wooden walls I saw a shadowy figure standing just outside

my breath caught in my throat they were looking inside but they didn't come in right away I held my flashlight tightly ready to use it if necessary the figure stayed outside for what felt like an eternity and I tried to stay as quiet as possible the rain was still pouring down and the storm's Fury seemed to be increasing finally the figure turned and walked away disappearing into the rain I Waited For What felt like another hour before I dared to move the storm had let up a bit and I thought maybe it was safe to

leave I carefully made my way to the door peeking outside the rain was still coming down but the wind had calmed slightly I couldn't see anyone but I didn't want to take any chances I decided to go back to my campsite and pack up as quickly as possible I figured it would be safer to leave the area rather than risk running into whoever had been in the barn I cracked my things and headed out trying to avoid the muddy patches that might make me slip the path back to my campsite was treacherous the storm had

made the trail almost impassible I slipped a few times but managed to keep my balance when I finally reached my campsite I was relieved to find that my tent was still standing though it was soaked I packed up my gear as quickly as I could knowing that the storm was still unpredictable I felt a sense of urgency the sooner I could get out of here the better I was about to leave when I heard footsteps nearby I froze my heart racing I could see the figure of someone moving through the trees and it wasn't far

from my campsite I hurriedly finished packing and decided to take a different route out hoping to avoid the person who might be looking for me I moved quickly but carefully trying to stay as quiet as possible the rain was still heavy and the sound of it on the leaves masked my movement somewhat when I finally reached my car I was exhausted and drenched I threw my Wick gear into the back seat seat and started the engine eager to get out of there as I drove away I glanced in the rearview mirror but didn't see anyone

following me I took one last look at the forest before turning onto the main road and heading home the storm eventually passed and the sun came up the next day but the fear of that night stayed with me it was a night like any other except for the Relentless rain hammering against my windows I was working late in my home office trying to finish up a project that had me behind schedule the storm outside was so loud that it drowned out everything else making it hard to focus the occasional flash of lightning would light up

the room only to be swallowed by Darkness again around midnight my phone rang I glanced at the screen and saw an unknown number normally I wouldn't answer but I was expecting a call from a client so I picked it up the voice on the other end was rough almost like it was distorted by Static Jenna the voice said I know what you did my heart skipped a beat who is this I asked trying to keep my voice steady there was a pause then the voice said you don't need to play dumb you know exactly what

I'm talking about I felt a chill run down my spine I had no idea who this person was or what they were referring to I think you've got the wrong number I said the voice laughed a harsh mocking sound don't play games with me I know about the emails you've been sending I know about your secret meetings I hadn't been sending any emails I shouldn't have and as for secret meetings there were none I felt a growing Panic listen I don't know what you're talking about I'm going to hang up now before I could the

call ended I stared at the screen my hands trembling I tried calling back but the number was disconnected I felt uneasy but tried to push it aside maybe it was just a prank but then the calls kept coming every time I answered the caller would say something that made no sense or repeated vague threats they knew details about my life my job my routines even the names of a few friends it was unsettling to say the least I tried to trace the calls but the number always came up was blocked or unavailable my attempts to

block the number didn't work they just kept calling from different ones the feeling of being watched was growing stronger after an hour of this I noticed something odd every now and then I'd see a shadow moving past the window when the lightning flashed I tried to dismiss it as the effect of the rain or my imagination but as the night dragged on the feeling of tread only intensified I decided to check outside I carefully peaked out through the curtains trying not to draw attention the rain was coming down in sheets and visibility was almost zero

I didn't see anyone but the feeling that someone was out there hiding in the dark was almost palpable I went back inside trying to calm myself I locked all the doors and windows and the calls continued the caller seemed to be enjoying my fear taunting me with personal details and telling me that my time was running out I knew I had to do something I called the police but they told me to stay on the line and keep them updated if anything happened they said they'd send someone over as soon as they could but it

might take a while given the storm I felt alone stranded and vulnerable suddenly a loud thud came from the back of the house I jumped my heart RAC ing I crapped a flashlight and a baseball P kep for protection the power flickered and I knew the storm was causing disruptions I went to the back door shining the flashlight outside the rain was coming down so hard that it was difficult to see anything I carefully opened the door and stepped out the mud squishing beneath my shoes the backyard was empty but I noticed a set of

Muddy Footprints leading from the edge of the yard to the back door they looked fresh and the sight made my blood run cold I quickly went back inside locked the door and called the police again telling them about the footprints they promised someone would be there soon I sat in my office waiting the fear making it hard to concentrate the calls had stopped but the silence was almost worse I felt like a Sitting Duck waiting for something terrible to happen after what felt like hours there was a knock on the door I hesitated but finally

opened it to find two police officers standing there soaked from the rain they came in and began to investigate checking around the property and asking me about the calls and any suspicious activity as they spoke with me I felt a bit of relief but the tread never fully left they did a thorough search of the area but found no one they took the details of the calls and the muddy Footprints and promised to keep an eye on things once they left I locked up the house and tried to get some sleep I left a light

on and stayed close to my phone ready to call for help if needed the storm continued to rage outside but eventually exhaustion took over and I fell into a fitful sleep in the morning the storm had passed and the sun was out the police had not reported any incidents from the night before the unsettling feeling of being watched began to fade but I knew I'd be more cautious from now on the calls eventually stopped and I never heard from the mysterious caller again I was stking Along on a long stretch of highway the rain started

coming down harder making it difficult to see the wind shield wipers were going full speed but it didn't seem to help much the road was nearly deserted and I felt a bit uneasy it was the kind of night that made you wish you weren't alone I saw a figure on the side of the road drenched and holding out a thumb normally I wouldn't pick up a hitchhiker but the weather was awful and I felt a Pang of sympathy I pulled over and rolled down the window need a ride I asked he smiled his face partly

hidden by the hood of his jacket yes please it's miserable out here he climbed in bringing a wave of cold what air with him I turned up the Heap and started driving again we exchanged Small Talk At First his name was mik he seemed friendly enough talking about the weather and his bad luck with his car breaking down I felt more relaxed with him in the car the company breaking the monotony of the drive but as the rain got heavier something in his demeanor changed his responses became shorter his tone more serious I tried to

keep the conversation going but it felt forced there was a tension in the air that I couldn't quite Place suddenly he reached over and locked the car doors I glanced at him my heart starting to race why did you do that I asked trying to keep my voice steady for safety he replied but there was something unsettling in his voice he turned to face me his eyes cold and calculating keep driving fear CPT me what's going on on I demanded my voice shaking he pulled a knife from his jacket and held it up where I

could see it just keep driving he said calmly and don't do anything stupid my mind raised trying to think of a way out the rain was pounding on the roof the road a blur in the headlights I had to stay calm had to think where are we going I asked hoping to by some time there's a rest area a few miles up the road pull in there he ordered I nodded trying to keep my breathing steady the rest area wasn't far and I had to find a way to escape before we got there I kept

glancing at the road looking for any opportunity terrain made it hard to see but I noticed a small dirt road coming up on the right without warning I yanked the wheel and turned on to the dirt road the car skitted in the mud and M cursed grabbing the dashboard for support what the hell are you doing he shouted I didn't answer I just kept driving the car bouncing and sliding on the rough road I could hear him fumbling with a knife trying to steady himself the dirt rode wound through the trees and I hoped it

would lead to somewhere safe stop the car he demanded his voice voice full of anger he launched at me and I swerved trying to throw him off balance the knife crazed my arm and I cried out in pain I slammed on the brakes the car sliding to a stop I crapped my bleeding arm and looked at him he was panting the knife still in his hand get out he ordered pointing the knife at me I didn't move please just let me go I pleaded he shook his head get out he repeated more forcefully I slowly

opened the door and stepped out into the rain it was freezing but water soaking through my clothes instantly Mike got out on his side keeping the knife pointed at me walk he said nodding toward the trees I started walking my mind racing terrain was so heavy I could barely see a few feet ahead I had to find a way to escape to get away from him he was right behind me the knife glinting in the dim light we walked for what felt like hours the mud sucking in my shoes the rain Relentless my arm throbbed

where he had CAU me and I was starting to feel dizzy I had to do something had to find a way to get away suddenly I heard a noise or rustling in the trees I stopped turning to look Mike crapped my arm pulling me forward keep moving he snapped but the noise came again closer this time it sounded like footsteps I glanced around trying to see through the rain someone's coming I said hoping it was true Mike looked around his on my arm tightening shut up he hissed the footsteps were getting Clos closer and I

could see a light boobing through the trees Mike cursed pulling me toward the car we need to get out of here he said his voice panicked I saw my chance I twisted out of his GP and ran toward the light screaming for help help please help me the light stopped and I Heard a Voice call out who's there Mike was right behind me by didn't stop I ran as fast as I could the mud and Rain slowing me down I could hear him cursing struggling to keep up I burst through the trees and saw a

figure holding a flashlight it was a man a hunter by the looks of it help me I cried running toward him he looked confused for a moment then saw Mike coming after me he raised a flashlight shining it in Mike's face face what's going on here he demanded Mike stopped the knife still in his hand just a misunderstanding he said trying to sound calm the hunter wasn't buying it he raised his rifle pointing it at Mike drop the knife he ordered Mike hesitated then dropped the knife in the mud the hunter kept the rifle trained

on him his eyes narrowing you okay Miss he asked me I nodded tears streaming down my face thank you I whispered the hunter kept the rifle on Mike as he called the police they arrived quickly taking Mike into custody I was safe but I knew I would never forget that night the terror and the rain I would never pick up a hitchhiker again not even for a million dollars it was pouring rain while I left the office that night the storm had been building all day and now it was a fullblown downpour I hurried to

my car huddling under my umbrella and saw Tom standing at the entrance he looked so even with his raincoat on need a ride I called out Tom smiled relieved thanks Rachel I appreciate it he climbed into the passenger seat and I cranked up the heat we chatted about work as I navigated the slick roads the rain was so heavy it was hard to see beyond a few feet the wipers were working overtime but it barely made a difference we came to a red light and I glanced over a Tong he seemed tense his fingers drumming

on his knee everything okay I asked he nodded but didn't say anything the light turned green and I started to drive a few blocks later I noticed Tom wasn't in the car anymore my heart skipped a beat I hadn't heard the door open or felt it any movement I pulled over Panic Rising how could he just disappear I got out looking around calling his name the rain was relentless soaking me in seconds there was no sign of him anywhere I got back in the car my mind racing did he jump out why didn't I hear

anything I decided to head back to the office thinking maybe he had gone back back there for some reason when I arrived the building was dark and locked up I knocked on the door hoping the night guard might have seen something no answer I was alone I drove around the area circling the blocks near where he vanished but there was no sign of Tom feeling desperate I called the police they said they would send someone out to take a report but their tone made it clear they thought he'd probably just decided to walk home I

sat in my car shivering from the cold and the fear something was very wrong I decided to go to Tom's apartment hoping he might be there when I got there his lights were off I banged on his door but no one answered as I turned to leave a figure stepped out of the Shadows I jumped recognizing one of Tom's neighbors he looked at me with a of curiosity and concern you looking for Tom he asked I nodded have you seen him he shook his head not since this morning is something wrong I explained what had

happened and he looked even more worried Tom's been acting strange lately he mentioned something about being followed but I thought he was just stressed from work terrain kept pounding down as I got back into my car my phone rang and I saw it was an unknown number I hesitated then answered Rachel a voice said it was Tom But he sounded scared Tom where are you I don't have much time don't trust them he whispered the line went dead my hands were shaking as I tried to call him back but went straight to voicemail I had

no idea what was going on but I knew I couldn't go to the police they wouldn't believe me I drove around aimlessly trying to piece together what little I knew my thoughts were interrupted by the side of a black car that seemed to be following me every turn I made it was right there behind me panic set in I took a shark turned down a side street and sped up hoping to lose them my heart was pounding as I navigated the narrow rain slicked roads I glanced in the rearview mirror and saw the car still

behind me I drove towards the outskirts of town hoping the winding roads would help me shake them the car was relentless though staying on my tail I saw a narrow der Road and turned onto it the car bouncing over the rough terrain the road led into a dense forest the trees closed and around me and the headlights of the car behind me disappeared I kept driving until I found a small clearing then turned off my engine and lights hoping they wouldn't find me I sat there in the dark the rain hammering on the roof trying

to Cal my racing heart I had to figure out what was happening and why Tom had disappeared I couldn't go home it wasn't safe after what felt like hours the rain finally started to let up I decided to head back to town keeping to the back roads I needed answers and the only place I could think of was Tom's apartment when I arrived the building was dark and quiet I snuck in through a side door that I knew was always left unlocked I crept up to Tom's apartment and picked the lock a skill I had

learned years ago and never thought I'd need inside the place was a mess papers were scattered everywhere where and it looked like someone had been searching for something I found Tom's laptop on the table and opened it hoping for a clue as I searched through his files I found a folder marked danger inside were documents and photos detailing some kind of conspiracy there were pictures of people I recognized from around town notes about meetings and lists of names it was all connected to some illegal activities that Tom had uncovered suddenly I heard footsteps outside the

door I quickly closed the laptop and hid behind the couch the door creaked open and I saw a pair of boots step inside I held my breath praying they wouldn't find me the person moved around the apartment searching through the mass after what felt like an eternity they left and I heard the door locked behind them I waited a few minutes before coming out of my hiding spot I crapped Tom's laptop and slipped out of the apartment heading back to my car I needed to find a safe place to go through the files and figure

out who I could trust I drove to a nearby motel and checked in under a fake name in the safety of my room I opened the laptop again and went through everything it was clear that Tom had stumbled onto something big and now we were both targets I knew I had to get this information to someone who could help but I had to be careful I spent the rest of the night making copies of the files and sending them to trusted contacts hoping they would take it seriously as Dawn approached I felt a little safer

the storm had passed but I knew the danger wasn't over I had to stay hidden until I could be sure the information was out and Tom was safe the next few days were a blur of paranoia and fear I moved from place to place never staying in one spot for too long I heard from one of my contacts that the information had been leaked to the press and the authorities were investigating finally I got a call from Tom he was safe hiding out in a different city he thanked me for helping him and we agreed

to lay low until things blew over it took months for the dust to settle but eventually the people behind the conspiracy were arrested and things started to go back to normal I never saw Tom again but we kept and touch through encrypted messages that rainy night changed everything I learned to be more cautious to trust my instincts and to always be aware of my surroundings last month I stayed at a small hotel while on a business trip I was exhausted from the long day and just wanted to relax when I got to my room there

was a package outside my door it was addressed to someone else but the name on the label didn't match anyone I knew I called the front desk and told them about the package they said they would look into it and just to leave it where it was for now I didn't didn't think much of it and went about my evening later that night I decided to check the package out of curiosity it was a plain brown box with no return address I opened it expecting to find something boring but instead there were documents inside as

I flipped through them I realized they were filled with sensitive information contracts legal documents and some handwritten notes that made no sense to me the more I read the clear it became that these documents were important and potentially dangerous I decided to take the package back to the front desk first thing in the morning I put everything back in the box and set it aside that night I had trouble sleeping uneasy about the contents of the package the next morning I went down to the lobby the front desk was bustling with activity but no one

seemed to take notice of me at first I finally got the attention of a young woman working there and explained the situation she looked at the package and seemed puzzled I'll take care of it she said but her voice had a nervous Edge I went about my day thinking a little more of it that evening as I returned to the hotel I noticed something odd there was a man lingering near the entrance looking around as if he was waiting for someone I thought nothing of it and went inside when I got to my room I

noticed a few Mis calls on my phone they were from an unknown number I dismissed them and went to bed in the middle of the night I was jolted awake by a loud knock on my door my heart raced as I got out of bed and looked through the peep Hall I saw the same man from earlier standing outside his face hidden in the shadows I didn't open the door I quietly picked up my phone and called the front desk no one answered I was starting to panic the knocking continued louder and more insistent I

decided to call 911 as I was dialing I heard a loud crash from the hallway like something heavy being thrown I hung up and duck down behind the bed hoping the Intruder wouldn't hear me I could hear footsteps approaching my door they stopped right outside and I held my breath hoping they would just leave the door handle rattled but it didn't open after what felt like an eternity the footsteps receded I waited a few more minutes before daring to peek out the hallway was quiet again I quickly grabbed my things went to the window and

climbed out onto the fire escape it was raining heavily and I was soaked in seconds but I didn't care I needed to get out of there I made my way down the fire escape and as soon as I hit the ground I ran to the nearest Street and called a cab I told the driver to take me to a nearby police station I explained everything to the officers there and they promised to look into it they said it was good that I left the hotel they had received reports of a possible threat to my safety

after everything I never went back to that hotel and I'm still not sure what was in those documents were why they were so important I moved to a new place and stayed cautious the whole ordeal made me realize how dangerous situations can escalate quickly especially when dealing with things that don't seem right my car broke down in the middle of nowhere the road was empty and my phone had no signal I tried to restart the engine but it just wouldn't turn over I got out and looked under the hood but I didn't know what I

was looking at it was just a massive met on wires to me I was starting to panic when I saw headlights approaching I waved my arms hoping they would stop the car slowed down and pulled over a man rolled down his window and asked if I needed help I told him my car wouldn't start and I needed a tow truck he looked at my car and said he could give me a ride to the nearest town I hesitated but it was getting late and I didn't want to be stranded all night I thanked him and

got in he seemed friendly enough middle-aged with a kind smile we troll for a few minutes in silence then he started asking me questions where was I from what was I doing out here I answered politely but something about his tone made me uneasy he was too interested too eager to know everything about me I noticed we were heading in the opposite direction of the nearest town I told him he was going the wrong way he glanced at me and smiled but didn't turn around he said he knew a shortcut my stomach twisted something was

off I asked him again to turn around but he ignored me I reached for my phone hoping to find a signal but there was none he noticed and chuckled saying it was pointless out here my heart was pounding I had to get out of this car I told him to stop and let me out he just kept driving his smile gone now replaced with a cold hard look I grabbed the door handle but it wouldn't open child locks my Panic Rose I was trapped I started yelling at him demanding he let me out he laughed

a low chilling sound he said I wasn't going anywhere I looked around the car desperate for something to defend myself with there was nothing just an old blanket on the back seat we drove deeper into the woods away from the main road the trees closed and around us blocking out the Moonlight it was dark and I couldn't see a way out he pulled the car over and turned off the engine the silence was deafening he turned to me his eyes cold and empty he said I was going to do exactly what he said or things

would get ugly I was shaking my mind Racing for a way out he reached into the glove compartment and pulled out a knife my blood ran cold he ordered me to get out of the car I hesitated but the look in his eyes told me he wasn't bluffing I opened the door and stepped out my legs trembling he got out too holding the knife casually like it was just an extension of his hand he told me to start walking I asked where but he just pointed deeper into the woods I started walking my mind frantically

searching for a way to escape the underbrush was thick and the trees loomed overhead blocking out the Stars I heard him walking behind me his footsteps crunching on the leaves I needed to do something anything I stumbled over a route and fell and in that moment I made a decision I crapped a handful of dirt and leaves and threw it in his face face he yelled stumbling back and I ran I didn't know where I was going but I ran as fast as I could branches scratched my face and my lungs burned but I didn't

stop I could hear him behind me cursing and crashing through the underbrush I saw a light ahead a small cabin in the woods I sprinted towards it praying someone was home I pounded on the door screaming for help the door opened and an old man stood there a shotgun in his hands he took one look at me and then passed me to the man chasing me the old man raised his shotgun and fired a warning shot into the air the man chasing me stopped his face Twisted in Rage he turned and fled back into the

woods the old man pulled me inside and locked the door I collapsed on the floor shaking and crying he called the police and they came and took my statement they searched the woods but didn't find the man I was on a solo road trip and decided to stay at a small hotel off the highway it was late when I arrived and the rain was coming down hard the hotel was quiet and seemed decent enough though it was a bit worn down after checking in and getting to my room I noticed an unmarked V parked outside

the hotel I thought it was strange but I didn't pay it much attention I was too tired and just wanted to relax I ordered some takeout and spent the evening in my room around midnight I went outside to get some fresh air the rain had let up a little and I noticed that the fan was still there it was parked right where I had seen it earlier but now the headlights were on I didn't think much of it assuming it was just a coincidence the next morning I noticed the van again as I left the

hotel to crab breakfast it was parked across the street and the same person seemed to be inside watching me it made me uneasy but I crushed it off as paranoia I had no reason to think so someone was actually following me after breakfast I decided to head to a nearby park to clear my head as I pulled out of the hotel parking lot the fan followed me I tried to convince myself it was a coincidence but the fan stayed behind me the entire way I could feel my anxiety rising and by the time I reached

the park I was on edge I parked and tried to take a walk to calm down but the fan parked a few spots away from for me the same person was still inside staring Straight Ahead my heart raced and I decided it was time to go back to the hotel I had to get out of there when I returned to the hotel I saw the van waiting outside the entrance I felt trapped I tried to go around the van to get into the hotel but it moved to block my path my pulse quickened as I

realized something was seriously wrong I went back to my car and tried to call the front desk from my phone the line was dead I couldn't reach anyone inside I glanced back at the van and saw the person inside getting out and heading towards the hotel entrance I knew I had to get away from the fan in the hotel I quickly pulled out of the parking lot and drove to the nearest police station my hands were shaking as I explained everything to the officers they took my reports seriously and promised to send someone to check

out the situation at the hotel I didn't go back to the hotel I stayed at a different place that night and waited for the police to give me an update they told me they had found the fan and talked to the occupants apparently the people in the F were involved in some shady business and they had been following me for a while for