On a quiet, rainy night, Michael stood at the Alchemy Table, cleaning up.
The Mushroom House was nearly empty. He was the last one there.
After tidying the Alchemy Table, Michael took off his protective suit, changed into his everyday clothes, and left the Alchemy Room.
The Mushroom House was as deserted at night as it was lively by day. No one stood in the empty corridor, and his footsteps echoed into the distance, as though another, softer set of footsteps were following beside him.
The familiar surroundings made Michael uneasy for no reason he could name. He quickened his pace, reached the front door, and pushed it open. The crack let in the faint sound of wind and rain.
Michael relaxed. He turned to lock the door, descended the Steps, and headed home along the wet pavement, where reflections shimmered in the puddles.
Perhaps it was the rain, but hardly anyone was out. The Streetlights flickered weakly, stretching his shadow into a long, narrow shape that danced as though something were hiding inside it...
Huff...
Michael whipped around. No one was behind him, but he could have sworn someone had breathed against his ear...
Probably a strange gust from the alley...
That was what Michael told himself, but he could not help walking much faster. He glanced around, hoping to find someone else heading home late.
He found someone. A short figure stood motionless a few dozen meters ahead.
Michael did not feel the least bit relieved. Instead, he tensed.
Why did that person's figure look so...
Pop—
Without warning, a distant streetlight went out, swallowing the eerie figure.
Dread surged through Michael. More streetlights went dark, and as the darkness spread toward him, his unease reached a breaking point.
Michael turned and ran, only to see in terror