The Stranger - PART III

I run into the bedroom and close the door. There is no lock on it. I grab the wooden chair and jam it under the doorknob. I hope that works, I see it in the movies all the time. I wish I could have booby-trapped my apartment like Kevin in Home Alone. But in my defense, Kevin had time to prepare. Me? I’m just figuring it out as I go. 

I hear a huge crash from the hallway. He’s inside.

I have to think about my options. I grab my phone and connect it to the charger, maybe I’ll be able to dial the police and get help. The phone starts charging but it can’t turn on yet.

I hear footsteps running down the hallway and my door starts shaking. He will be inside my bedroom in no time, the only thing stalling him is that dumb chair.

The fire escape! I live on a third floor and never thought I’d need to use it so the windowsill is filled with little trinkets. I toss everything to the floor and turn the lock. I try to lift the window but it’s stuck. You have got to be kidding me.

The door caves in and I see two hands push the door the rest of the way to move the chair. He’s inside. The stranger's face is in full view. I seriously have no idea who this man might be.

I use all my strength to lift the window. Whatever was blocking the lock breaks and the window finally budges. I’ll make it.

I climb up the windowsill to crawl out of the window. Suddenly, the stranger is standing right next to me. 

I scream at the top of my lungs.

I open my eyes and I’m lying on my bed in a pool of sweat. What the hell just happened? Everything is quiet, all I can hear is the wind crashing against my window. I get up and look around my bedroom, there is nothing out of place and my phone is atop my desk plugged into its charger. I make my way outside my bedroom and my hallway is quiet and intact. 

That was one of the most vivid dreams I have had to date. Who in the world was that guy? The mind is a weird thing.

I head over to the bathroom. My hair is a mess, all frizzy from being soaked in sweat. I dunk my face into a handful of cold water. Man, I’m exhausted but also scared to go back to sleep.

I turn the hallway light on and walk over to the apartment door just to make sure it’s locked. Everything is in its place. I stand there for a while and just feel silly. I walk back down the hall and turn off the lights. Time for bed.

Suddenly, I hear the doorknob rattle.