Ayla’s POV
I turned back toward my bed, straining my eyes in the darkness. Nothing. I couldn't see anything.
Then the lights flickered back on.
Off.
On.
Off.
On again.
The rapid flashing made everything look distorted, like a horror movie. Shadows jumped and twisted across the walls with each flicker. My heart was pounding so hard I could hear the blood rushing in my ears.
I opened my mouth instinctively to call out, to ask if anyone was there, but nothing came out. No sound. No voice. The silence felt like a weight pressing down on my chest.
My phone. I needed my phone.
I spun around, my eyes searching frantically in the strobing light. Where had I put it? On the bed? No. The shelf? I couldn't remember. Everything looked different in the flickering darkness.
The lights went off
