The clock struck 11:58 PM, and you sat in your bedroom, the glow of your laptop casting a soft light on your face. You were finishing an assignment, your headphones in, drowning out the world with your favorite playlist. Outside, the suburban neighborhood was silent, save for the occasional rustling of leaves in the wind.

Your phone buzzed beside you. You glanced at the screen. "Unknown Caller."

You hesitated. You hated answering unknown numbers, but curiosity got the better of you. You slid off your headphones and picked up the phone.

"Hello?" you said after answering the call.

The line crackled, followed by a chilling, distorted voice. "Working late?"

Your heart skipped a beat. "Who is this?"

"Just a fan," the voice replied, calm and unnerving. "I couldn't help but notice you're burning the midnight oil again. Do you ever stop to think about how vulnerable you are right now?"

You stood, the hairs on the back of your neck standing up. "Listen, whoever this is, I'm not in the mood for games. Leave me alone."

The voice chuckled darkly. "Games? Oh, this isn't a game. This is a lesson. You're so predictable, always sitting in the same spot, always with your back to the window."

Your blood ran cold. Slowly, you turned to look at the window behind you. The blinds were drawn, but you swore you saw a faint shadow move across the edges.

"I'm calling the police," you snapped, trying to keep your voice steady.

"Good luck," the voice taunted. "But you might want to check your Wi-Fi first."

Confused, you glanced at your laptop. The Wi-Fi icon was gone. Your internet was out.

"You cut my internet?" you asked, your voice shaking.

"Smart girl," the voice said mockingly. "Now, let's make this interesting. I want you to play hide and seek. I'll give you thirty seconds. Run.