*TW: Implied Violence*

*I don’t usually do horror, so this may come off flat, but please leave tips in the comments! I appreciate it in advance! And thank you for taking time to read my story! :D*

I was fresh out of college, ready to find my place in the world, and also almost broke.

I’d rented a small apartment, but I’m still not sure I got the most from my money. The cracks in the walls, outdated wallpaper, and mildew and mold in every room should’ve been my red lights. Still, I moved my stuff in. I’d seen enough interior design shows to have the confidence to try and make it homely. I put up stick on wallpaper, hung succulents in the windowsill, and set up the coffee machine. It wasn’t perfect, but it was safe.

Or so I thought.

The first few days I remember were fine. I’d have my coffee and go to work, then come home with money in my pocket and a craving for caffeine. Nothing out of the ordinary.

It was until I had my first day off that I got suspicious. I’d woken up tired. Sounds in the walls woke me up, which was odd, considering I was a heavy sleeper. I managed to convince myself it was mice. I was too tired then to feel the difference between anger and fear. So, before coffee (I now realize my mistake) and running minimal sleep, I raged down to the office. The poor man had to listen to my ranting for a solid hour.

I finally stopped, and he assured me that it was being taken care of. But then he caught me off guard with an odd question.

“Can I inspect your room? A couple of tenants have been complaining about some other things. It’ll be very quick.”

I agreed.

We went up to my room. He started to tap at the walls, until he came to a spot where that tapping sounded deeper. He ripped off the sage green wallpaper I’d lovingly put up.

“HEY!” I bellowed, a string of curses flowing shortly behind my exclamation. But I soon stopped when he pulled open a hidden door. A feeling of dread washed over me. A certain odor wafted from the little entryway. The man beside me paled.

“I-I’m going to go- I’m going in,” he stammered.

He took out a flashlight and crawled in. The light swung and bobbled. Eerie shadows were cast on the walls in that space between the walls.

Then I heard the sound of an imploding bulb.

There was a moment of silence. My heart began to pound.

I never heard a scream. Just wet drops and a few quiet snaps.

Then I saw it.

Two lights.

Looking right at me.

The succulents and wallpaper and coffee were all there but there was nothing they could do.

That feeling was there all along and I should’ve paid attention to my gut.

The sage green couldn’t save me now.