Chapter XXVI:

“Yes?” I asked. More pounding came on the door. My stomach dropped. Who would be here this time of night?

“Who is it?” I asked. I got no response. The pounding grew louder. I looked around in the darkness. She can’t be coming for me already. Please leave me alone. I don’t even know you guys. The pounding turned into banging. I locked myself in my room. I held my breath, praying they would go away.

Go away. Make it stop. Make it stop.

Suddenly, I heard someone whistling outside my door. Footsteps walked back and forth outside. I refused to raise my head. More banging came on the door. I heard them call my name.

“We know you are there. Come out! We want to see you.” The whistling grew louder, high-pitched. It went and then down. The pacing doubled as the walked in front of my door. But I wouldn’t open the door.

“We know you are here. Open the door!”

I laid down on the ground waiting. I won’t open the door.

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I woke up the next morning on the bedroom floor. Somehow, I had vomit on my face. Did I throw up last night? I started to remember last night. That’s when I noticed that everything was quiet. Too quiet. I pushed myself to my feet. I walked over to the door and took a listen. Nothing.

“Hello?” I asked. No response. I took in a breath and opened the door. There was nothing in sight. Did I dream the whole thing last night? I shook my head.

No. That couldn’t be right. I could hear them all night. It got worse when I looked down at the floor. Footprints covered the surface. It wasn’t just one set either. I managed to count up to eight set of muddy tracks. A pair looked like goat hooves. I also found deep scratches in the walls. I toppled over onto my knees. I could barely breathe. I thought I was going to be sick. It was then I learned how much trouble I was really in.