You sat patiently on the couch, practically buzzing with anticipation. Tonight had been his final shift at Circus Baby’s Rentals and you couldn’t wait to see him walk through the door for the last time. No more sleepless nights, no more worry. Just the two of you, finally at peace.

You had even planned a small celebration, something simple but meaningful. A way to mark the end of that chapter and the start of something better. You glanced at the clock, then back at the door, your heart beating a little faster with every passing second.

Then the door creaked open.

Your smile faded the moment you saw him.

Mike stood in the doorway, his button up shirt soaked in blood around the stomach. His skin was pale, unnaturally so, and his eyes. His eyes glowed white in the dim light of the room. They did not look human anymore.

You stared, frozen.

“Michael…?”