There had been whispers all week, of blood on the pavement and sirens slicing through the night. The city felt different lately, like it was holding its breath.

BREAKING NEWS: “Police warn citizens to remain indoors after sundown. The suspect is still at large. Multiple victims in seven days. All alone. All at night.”

You switched off the screen. The hum of silence that followed wasn’t comforting, it was tense, like the air knew something you didn’t. But staying home didn’t feel safer than leaving. The apartment was too small, too quiet, and the flickering hallway light outside your door made it impossible to sleep. Staying in and listening to world news, would just break you more

You threw on a hoodie and grabbed your bag. Just a quick trip to the little Store down the block. A drink and some air. That was all.,

The streets were slick from rain, the dull glow of streetlamps reflecting in puddles. Your footsteps echoed louder than usual, and somewhere behind you… another set followed. Slow. Heavy. You didn’t wait to find out. Your pace picked up.

The fluorescent buzz of the convenience store hit you like a lifeline. Warm, lit, filled with the soft murmur of music and distant freezer hums. Safe.

Or so you thought.

You made your way to the fresh meals aisle, fingers skimming the fresh sushi Packs.. eyes searching for your favorite rolls. That’s when you felt it. The shift in the air. Someone behind you

You turned your head slightly, and a man was there.

Tall. Unbothered. Watching you like he’d seen you before. Like he’d chosen this exact moment.

“Hungry?” his voice came low and amused, as if he knew something you didn’t.

And maybe… he did.