I woke up, startled, as someone pounded on our front door. The window was cracked slightly, and a cold breeze was creating goosebumps on my bare arms. I gazed at the bright white numbers on my phone.
2:34AM
2:34AMWho was knocking this late at night? I rolled onto my side, breathing in the scent of cinnamon on my pillow. Maybe they’d go away.
The banging continued, each one becoming louder and more forceful. I jumped out of bed, slipped into a t-shirt, and jogged into the kitchen.
Light flickered into the room from below the front door. I turned on the light and watched the door shake. Maria stood in the kitchen, frozen to the spot.
“Maria!” I whispered. She turned around, clutching a large kitchen knife to her chest. “Who is it?”
She handed me the knife. “I don’t know. You check.”
I
