-Anastasia-
When I woke up the next day to the jarring sound of a timer, I immediately noticed a strange noise echoing through my apartment. Something clinked, causing my body to jolt with alarm. Sitting up, I became fully alert, peering into the darkness as I struggled to shake off the remnants of deep sleep.
The anticipation of graduating and focusing on a single career couldn’t come soon enough, but as I rubbed my eyes to banish the drowsiness, the mysterious sound persisted. My heart raced, and I reached for the bat I kept under the bed. With caution, I approached the corner dividing my bedroom from the small kitchen. The noise grew louder, and I tightened my grip on the bat, preparing to confront the intruder. I couldn’t fathom why anyone would target me—I possessed nothing of sign
