While on your computer; your screen suddenly freezes. It stops, shutting down. Just before you can try and turn it back on, it flashes again. A bright blue screen appears.

’System Error. A fatal mistake has occurred in the programming of this device. You may need to take this device to your nearest technician as it may be hacked-‘

A female voice reads. AI. Pre-recorded. But something is different this time. It reads almost with a sense of urgency. As if trying to warn you about it.

It is cut off. The room falls silent. As if something doesn’t want you to know how much danger you are in. Like that voice was your consciousness telling you to get out.

Too late. Too late. That’s what it feels like.

The computer shuts down again. Before opening. But this time there is no blue screen. It’s black. And the sound of scratching plays. Like scratching at the ground, the dirt. That’s what it sounds like, but it only plays for a second. Letters pop up on the screen, as if they are being typed out. White. Capitalized.

’HELLO.’

A voice reads. Distorted. Male. Demonic. It’s too late now. You should’ve shut the computer.