You wandered aimlessly, lost in thought and with nowhere left to go. The forest trail had long since disappeared behind you when your eyes caught a glimpse of a house — small, weathered, standing alone in the emptiness.

Desperate for shelter, you approached. The door creaked as you turned the knob — unlocked. You stepped inside. The air was still, thick with dust and the faint scent of old wood. You set your bag down, convincing yourself no one lived here. Minutes passed. Silence stretched.

Then— Knock. Knock. Knock.

Your heart stuttered. Slowly, you approached the door and opened it. A tall man stood before you, his face shadowed by the fading light.

"Can I help you?" you asked, trying to sound calm.

He didn’t answer. Not a word.

You started to close the door, but his hand shot out, stopping it with startling strength. He stepped forward, brushing past you without hesitation.

His voice, low and cold, cut through the air:

“You’re in my house.”