knock knock

After settling into their hotel room, Hailey flopped onto the bed, which was neatly made with crisp white sheets. Without bothering to unpack, she let out an exaggerated sigh.

"Uhhh, finally," she groaned. "That trip felt endless."

Maxwell, who was inspecting the room, rolled his eyes at her dramatics. He wandered into the bathroom, his voice echoing back. "Babe, you need to see this!"

"I'm sure whatever it is will still be there after my nap," Hailey called, stifling a yawn as she sank deeper into the bed.

A loud knock jolted her awake.

Blinking, Hailey sat up and glanced around. The room was empty. Maxwell had disappeared. The knock came again—louder, more insistent. Groggy but curious, she pushed herself off the bed and went to the door.

When she opened it, an old woman stood in the hallway. Her skin was pale and leathery, her thin frame draped in a tattered dress that looked decades out of fashion. She raised her head slowly, revealing bloodshot eyes and a jaw that hung crooked, as if broken.

Before Hailey could react, the woman spoke in a raspy, trembling voice.

"Run," she whispered, stepping back into the shadows. "Run... and never look back."

Each word came harsher than the last, echoing down the hallway with unnatural clarity. The air seemed to grow colder, and a chill ran down Hailey's spine. She stumbled back, heart pounding.

The knock came again. Hailey's eyes snapped open, her breath coming in sharp gasps. She was drenched in sweat, the room around her dim and unfamiliar. It was just a dream. But it felt so real.

"Don't open the door," she blurted, her voice trembling.

Maxwell, standing at the door, gave her a puzzled look. Too late I did already and It's just room service," he said, his brow furrowing. "What's wrong with you?"

"I... I saw a woman," Hailey whispered, hugging her knees tightly as tears welled in her eyes. "She told me to run."

Maxwell's expression softened. He crossed the room and sat beside her, gently rubbing her back. "It was just a dream, babe. I'm here. You're safe," he reassured her, pulling her into his arms.

Hailey closed her eyes, leaning into his embrace, but the fear still clung to her. "It was so vivid," she muttered. "It felt like she was standing right there."

Maxwell kissed her forehead. "Dreams can feel that way sometimes. But it's over now."

She nodded slowly, her breathing starting to steady. "Yeah... I guess you're right." She wiped away a tear, managing a faint smile.

"You want something to eat?" Maxwell asked gently.

"Just water," Hailey said, her voice still shaky.

"You sure? We haven't eaten all day," Maxwell insisted.

"I don't have any appetite right now."

"Well, I'll order something anyway. You might feel like eating later."

Hailey let out a soft chuckle. "You never give up, do you?"

Maxwell grinned. "You know me too well. I'll go down to the restaurant and bring back something light."

He kissed her cheek and stood up. As he headed for the door, Hailey watched him, her smile slowly fading.

"Wait," she called after him, her voice a bit too quick. "Let me just put something on. We can go together." She forced a casual tone, trying to mask the unease creeping back in. The thought of being alone in the room, even for a moment, made her skin prickle.

Maxwell paused, turning back to look at her. "Alright," he said, his expression softening as he caught the flicker of fear in her eyes. "I'll wait "