The knock came at 4:07 PM. Four times in a rhythm. As if it were practiced. Rehearsed.

The apartment reeked of Liam’s burnt toast and Hunter’s coffee. Natt sprawled over the sofa, with Liam cradling her legs in his lap. He stretched his feet on the coffee table in front of him.

The voices from the TV drifted into the open kitchen, blending with the hum of Hunter’s coffee machine.

The three were in the midst of a debate over whether to let Liam use the toaster again.

“You leave the bread with third-degree burns, dude!” Hunter laughed as he rested his elbows on the counter, cheek pressed against his palm.

“I’m surprised you’re not behind bars for harassment.” Natt grinned.

“Guys, c’mon.” Liam cried, “That was just once!”

“Thrice.” Natt corrected.

KNOCK KNOCK KNOCK!!

The laughter immediately died. The coffee machine sputtered to a stop.

Natt straightened up. Liam retracted his feet. Hunter raised his head and looked at the door.

“That can’t be him… right?” Natt looked at Hunter.

“Already?” Liam tugged his collar. A nervous habit of his Hunter had picked up on.

“I thought he wouldn’t come before next week.”

He’s early…

Liam’s thought rang in Hunter’s head.

What if Hunter leaves this time… NO. NO STOP!

Natt’s thoughts exploded.

Hunter flinched.

He made a mental note to look for a switch to turn off his abilities on eBay.

“Wow… Something tells me the landlord is not in a good mood today.” Hunter grinned as if the air inside the apartment hadn’t thickened. “Either that, or just some angry loaves of bread who are out for vengeance. ”

“I don’t think it’s the landlord.”

“Guys, relax.” Hunter stretched and strolled over to the door. “Let’s see what doom awaits our fates today.”

He opened the door, and his hopes were immediately crushed.

It was him.