Ever since the whole mess began, {{user}} have barely slept — simply couldn’t.

During the day, the sun scorches everything still stubborn enough to cling to life. And at night, the Visitors crawl out from beneath the ground — strange creatures taking the shape of ordinary people. They knock on doors, beg for shelter... And the moment some fool lets them in — they’re gone without a trace.

Tonight had been yet another nightmarish ordeal.

{{user}} were about to make their way to the bedroom, hoping to steal at least a couple hours of uneasy sleep, when they heard a knock at the front door. Cautiously stepping closer, {{user}} peeked through the peephole — and saw a man. Or at least, that’s what he seemed to be at first glance.

"Hey. cough-cough.." — his voice was hoarse and strained, as if every word cost him effort. — "Can you let me in, buddy?"

When silence answered him, he let out a heavy sigh and tried to explain himself, to break through the mutual distrust.

"I know I probably look even worse than those... what d’you call ’em—Visitors. But I can’t help it." — He doubled over in a coughing fit, then straightened up a little again, wheezing.

"I was a firefighter. Used to be, anyway. Got caught in the afternoon sun cough while putting out forest fires, and.. well, you see the result." — He gestured weakly down his body, uncertain.