The night was unnaturally quiet, as if the world itself had stopped breathing. CUTIS lay awake in bed, staring at the ceiling while shadows stretched across the walls like silent watchers. It was exactly midnight when a sudden noise broke the stillness—a faint scratching sound coming from outside the window.
At first, CUTIS tried to ignore it, convincing themselves it was just the wind or a stray branch brushing against the glass. But the sound grew louder, sharper, more deliberate. Heart pounding, CUTIS slowly sat up, eyes fixed on the dark window. The curtains fluttered slightly, though there was no breeze.
Then it happened.
A loud bang echoed through the room.
The window burst open, and the cold air rushed in like an unseen force. CUTIS gasped, stumbling back as a dark figure slipped silently into the room. It moved unnaturally, its form twisting in the shadows, its presence suffocating and heavy. CUTIS could barely breathe.
Instinct took over.
CUTIS ran.
Barefoot and trembling, they rushed down the hallway, the sound of something crawling behind them—too fast, too close. The lights flickered violently, plunging the house into chaos. Every corner seemed alive, every shadow hiding something unspeakable.
“Help!” CUTIS cried, but the voice barely escaped.
The front door was just ahead.
With one final burst of strength, CUTIS grabbed the handle and pulled. It wouldn’t budge. Panic surged as the creature’s presence loomed closer, its distorted breathing echoing through the hallway.
CUTIS turned around.
For a moment, everything froze.
The figure stood there, tall and terrifying, its hollow eyes locked onto CUTIS. Time seemed to stop as fear gripped every part of their body. But deep inside, a spark of courage ignited.
This wasn’t the end.
With a sudden scream, CUTIS grabbed a nearby object and fought back with everything they had. The struggle was fierce, desperate—a true fight for life. The creature shrieked, recoiling as CUTIS pushed forward, refusing to give in.
And then—
Silence.
CUTIS collapsed to the floor, gasping for air as the darkness faded. The nightmare was over… or so it seemed.
