Introduction

The storm raged outside, with thunder cracking loudly across the dark sky. Rain lashed heavily against the windows as wind howled through the trees. Alvis hurried into his bedroom, desperate to check something important before the power went out.

As he rummaged through his belongings, there came a forceful pounding on his door. "Let me in!" shouted a raspy voice over the noise of the storm. Alvis froze, heart pounding in his chest. Who could be out in this torrential weather ? Fear and panic rose within him.

He swallowed hard and approached the door cautiously. Another loud bang made him jump. "I said open up!" yelled the stranger angrily. Alvis hesitated, glancing around his dimly lit room for any other way out or a weapon. But he was alone in the old house during the raging storm.

Shaking, he slowly unlocked and opened the door a crack. Through the narrow gap, he saw a gaunt face staring back at him, rain-slicked hair hanging over sunken eyes. But it was his own reflection grinning back maliciously. Alvis let out a strangled cry and slammed the door shut with a bang.

Backing away in horror, he bumped into a chair and stumbled backwards. His desperate gaze fell upon a noose hanging ominously from the low ceiling beam. 

By the time his family arrived home through the howling wind and rain, drawn by the unearthly noises, it was too late. Alvis swayed gently below the creaking wooden beam, face frozen in a ghastly rictus. The knocking had fallen silent, but the storm still raged on through the long lonely night.