No Way Out

Matsuo trudged to the front door and fasten the dozens of locks latched on it. Then, he diligently bolted the locks on the windows, kitchen door, living room door, and finally, his bedroom door.

He climbed into bed and looked up at the ceiling.

All the lights in the room were left switched on. They illuminated his bloodshot eyes and the dark circles hanging heavily beneath them. Even with the lights turned off, you could see how awful he looked.

Every crack and gap that was in the bedroom had been stuffed with newspaper or tissue paper. Even so, Matsuo felt that a pair of green eyes would appear.

Exhausted, he eventually fell into an uneasy sleep.

He woke when he heard a crisp voice calling for him.

"Matsuo, come play with me."

"Matsuo, can you hear me?"

"Matsuo, let's play one more round, shall we?"

Matsuo fought to lift his heavy eyelids.

"Who's there? Who's calling me?" he murmured.