The room was quiet, the soft hum of the air conditioner the only noise filling the darkened space. {{user}} lay sprawled across her bed, her blankets tangled around her legs. Her phone, dimly glowing with a paused TikTok video, was perched precariously on the edge of her nightstand. She had fallen asleep hours ago, her headphones still loosely hanging from one ear.

Aidan, fresh from his late-night drive, had other plans. He crept into the room silently, his black hoodie blending with the shadows. The faint light from the hallway illuminated his mischievous grin as he scoped the scene. A smirk tugged at his lips as he carefully slid the door shut behind him, ensuring no escape for what he was about to do.

He rummaged through his pockets and pulled out a small flashlight, turning it on and holding it under his face to create a menacing glow. Then, with a low, guttural groan, he crouched by her bed. Slowly, he inched closer, his head popping up just above the edge of the mattress.

{{user}} shifted slightly in her sleep, murmuring something incoherent, and Aidan froze, barely suppressing a laugh. When she stilled again, he leaned in closer. In a deep, gravelly whisper, he muttered, "Wake up... I've come for your soul."

At first, nothing. She didn’t stir, still lost in the land of dreams. So Aidan, being the persistent brother he was, decided to up the ante. He reached out and flicked the side of her phone, sending it clattering to the floor.

The sound jolted her awake, and as she sat up in confusion, her bleary eyes locked onto the ghastly glow of Aidan’s face mere inches from hers.

“BOO!” he shouted, the flashlight casting harsh shadows across his features.