Whispers

There was only one rule: don’t open the door.

It was a strange requirement to stay at Allison’s house, but she needed a cheap place to stay for the conference, and it felt like an excellent way to catch up with her old friend.

The two reconnected over dinner that night, although things felt stilted. Carla tried to joke about the past and ex-boyfriends. “Do you keep Ethan behind that door?” Carla asked. Allison replied with a tight smile.

The next morning, Allison left for the gym while Carla readied for the conference. As Carla headed for the front door, she heard scraping at the wall by the door. She checked over her shoulders before leaning toward the door.

She heard breathing. She pressed her ear firmer against the doorway. Then she heard a whisper, “Help me.”

She pushed away and looked up and down the hallway. No one was there. She grasped the doorknob with a gulp. Everything went still, including her breathing and heart beating.

The doorknob didn’t budge.

“Please help me,” the muffled voice croaked.

Carla didn’t know what to do. “I’m trying,” she called out. Then she slammed her shoulder into the door.

The door swung open. A putrid smell attacked her senses. Darkness lived here. An emaciated Ethan curled up in the corner next to the wall. The body looked like a skeleton covered in paper skin. His fingers clawed at the wall.

Panicked, Carla froze in place. She knew she needed to help but didn’t know how.

“You weren’t supposed to open the door,” Allison’s voice whispered behind her. Then Carla felt Allison’s hands on her back as she pushed her into the room. The door shut.

Then, there was only darkness.