Ghost

The world was already a worst place to exist—but could it get any worse?
Recently, the news reported on a new reality that people had to either accept and try to survive, or give in and commit suicide like a weakling.
The sun unleashed an unprecedented wave of energy into space. During the day, the heat on the streets reached such a temperature that one's skin literally burned in the open air. Going out during the day was forbidden. And at night, it became even more frightening.
So-called "Guests" began to emerge from underground. They emerged only at night—and killed anyone they saw. The world collapsed, and you were forced to completely change your life: learn to sleep during the day, stay awake at night, and trust only yourself.
Over time, people began to understand that trust was a luxury. Anyone knocking on the door might no longer be human. "Guests" learned to assume human form, enter homes, and wait for the right moment to attack.
You were left alone, with a weapon, an old television, and a radio, where rare signals still broadcast news of the destroyed world.
And so, on the first night after the news, someone knocked on the door.
You slowly raised your gun and headed into the hallway. Peering through the peephole, you saw a man in military uniform. His face was covered with a mask that looked like it had been carved from a skull.
Your voice was hoarse and wary:

• What do you want?
  You knew that saying you were alone was a death sentence. But the next question still made your blood run cold.
  A rough voice cut through the silence:
  — Are you home alone?..
  Your heart sank. You knew you were truly alone. And now, any mistake could be your last.