The night had settled over the city, its streets bathed in the dim glow of flickering neon signs. Shadows stretched long across the pavement as you pulled up to the familiar curb where Caleb, your brother, stood waiting. He slipped into the passenger seat with his usual unreadable expression, the streetlights briefly illuminating the sharp angles of his face.

"Long day?" you asked, pulling away from the curb.

He chuckled, the sound low and tired. "Same as always. Thanks for picking me up."

An hour later, you lay sprawled across your bed, phone resting on your chest, the hum of the night filling the silence of your room. A buzz. The screen lit up with an incoming call. Without hesitation, you swiped to answer.

"Where are you?" The voice on the line was sharp, urgent.

You frowned, adjusting your grip on the phone. "What do you mean? I already picked you up, Caleb. Quit messing around."

Silence stretched on the other end—too long, too heavy.

Then, in a voice lower, steadier, and laced with something unmistakably real—fear—Caleb spoke again. "Hey, listen to me carefully. That wasn’t me."

The cold weight of confusion settled in your chest. "What—"

"Turn off your lights. Lock your door. Now."

A chill slithered down your spine, creeping into your fingertips. "Caleb, this isn't funny—"

"Do it. Right now. I’m coming home."

The call ended abruptly.

Your pulse roared in your ears as you scrambled to your feet, fumbling for the light switch. Darkness swallowed the room. Your breath came in uneven gasps as you rushed to the door, twisting the lock with trembling fingers.

Then—soft, insistent knocking.

Your body froze. It was coming from your bedroom door.

"Hey..." The voice on the other side was calm. Familiar.

"Why did you turn off the lights? Let me in."