Inside

Chapter Three

[23:50] You:

Where are the cops?? Maya, did they even send anyone?

[23:50] Maya:

YES! I told them everything. They promised a car was on the way.

[23:51] Unknown Number:

They lied. Just like you lied to your father.

[23:51] You:

STOP BRINGING HIM UP.

[23:52] Unknown Number:

I like when you scream. The walls shake. The neighbors pretend not to hear.

[23:52] Maya:

Don’t answer them anymore. Just stay hidden until the police arrive.

[23:53] You:

Hidden?? In my own house??

[23:53] Unknown Number:

Not hidden well enough.

[23:54] You:

What does that mean…

**[23:54] [Noise: faint creak of a floorboard above.]

[23:54] You:

…oh my god.

[23:54] Maya:

WHAT WAS THAT??

[23:55] You:

I think they’re upstairs.

[23:55] Maya:

No no no no. Get OUT. Run outside NOW.

[23:56] Unknown Number:

Run, little mouse. Run and squeak.

I love the chase.

[23:56] You:

I swear if you touch me—

[23:56] Unknown Number:

You’ll do what? Call daddy for help?

[23:57] You:

SHUT UP.

**[23:57] [Noise: footsteps, heavier this time, moving across the ceiling.]

[23:57] You:

They’re moving. They’re… they’re above the kitchen now.

[23:58] Maya:

Go OUTSIDE. Neighbors, streetlights, someone will see!

[23:58] You:

What if they’re waiting by the door?

[23:59] Unknown Number:

Smart. You’re learning.

[23:59] You:

HOW are you texting me and walking upstairs at the same time??

[23:59] Unknown Number:

Who said it’s only me?

[00:00] You:

No. No no no.

[00:00] Maya:

WAIT—what?? There’s MORE than one??

[00:01] You:

Maya I can’t breathe.

[00:01] Unknown Number:

Level five: Survival.

You have sixty seconds to choose—front door or back door.

[00:01] You:

What??

[00:01] Unknown Number:

Pick wrong and you’ll run straight into me.

[00:02] Maya:

Don’t listen! They’re trying to trap you!!

[00:02] Unknown Number:

Tick. Tock. 58 seconds.

[00:02] You:

God, I don’t know what to do—

[00:03] Unknown Number:

50 seconds.

[00:03] You:

Maya, tell me what to do!!

[00:03] Maya:

Front door—neighbors can see you. GO.

[00:04] You:

Okay okay—

**[00:04] [Noise: a door slams somewhere upstairs.]

[00:04] You:

THEY’RE COMING DOWN.

[00:05] Unknown Number:

Time’s running out. Run, mouse. Run.

[00:05] You:

(Hands shaking—unlocking front door—)

[00:05] Maya:

MOVE. NOW.

**[00:06] [Door opens. Cold night air rushes in.]

[00:06] You:

I’m outside. I’m running—

[00:06] Maya:

Where??

[00:07] You:

Down the street—towards the lights—

**[00:07] [Notification: 1 New Photo Received.]

[00:07] You:

No no no…

[00:07] Maya:

What is it??

[00:08] You:

It’s me. Running outside. Taken from BEHIND.

[00:08] Maya:

Oh my god…

[00:08] Unknown Number:

Told you, little mouse.

No matter where you run—

I’ll always be a step behind.

...****************...

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