The Knocker |

You finally turned 18. After so many years of waiting, you packed your things, got a part-time job, and with a lot of effort rented a small house.

It wasn't a luxurious house. It was small, made of wood, and secluded. In the middle of a forest, far from the noise of the city you hated so much. Exactly as you always dreamed.

The first few days were a dream. Waking up to the sound of birds, making coffee in your kitchen, reading by the window without anyone bothering you. Total peace.

But at night... the forest was too quiet.

The first week you noticed strange things, but you told yourself it was your imagination. A branch that broke when there was no wind. A shadow that passed by the window and when you looked there was nothing there. Your key that you left on the table and the next day appeared in the drawer.

You don't know that every night, when you turn off the light, there's someone standing among the trees. Far enough away that you can't see them. Close enough to hear you breathe.

He's not knocking. Not yet.

Just observe. Learn your routine. What time do you have tea? Which window do you sit by to read? How long does it take you to fall asleep?