Rain slammed against the windshield while the baby monitor hissed beside her like it was alive.

Then—

A loud THUMP came through the speaker.

Her daughter screamed.

Emily stepped harder on the gas.

When she finally reached the apartment building, the front door was slightly open.

She never left it open.

Her heartbeat pounded in her ears as she ran upstairs.

“Lily?!” she shouted.

No answer.

Only silence.

The nursery door creaked open slowly.

Lily sat frozen on the bed clutching her teddy bear, tears streaming down her face.

“Mommy…” she whispered. “He’s still here.”

Emily felt the air leave her lungs.

Then she saw it.

A shadow beneath the bed.

Too large.

Too still.

Emily grabbed the nearest lamp like a weapon.

Her hands shook violently.

“Come out!” she screamed.

Nothing moved.

Then—

A phone began ringing underneath the bed.

Emily recognized the ringtone instantly.

Jason’s phone.

Her blood turned ice cold.

At that exact moment, Jason appeared in the doorway behind her.

Soaking wet.

Breathing heavily.

And smiling.

“Emily…” he said softly.

“You weren’t supposed to come home yet.