The Broken Night

Anne: Hey, George, did you get home safely? I sent you a message about an hour ago and you didn’t reply. I was worried because of the argument you had with the project manager… Just so you know, I think you were right…

George: Yes, I got home fine. Forget about Luis… I think he has two days left in the company… you’ll see… I was watching a movie and didn’t check my phone. Is everything okay over there?

Anne: Yes, everything’s fine. It’s just that… I heard something strange in the hallway. Like someone was walking. You know I live alone, so it scared me a bit.

George: Are you sure it wasn’t the neighbor? Sometimes you hear weird noises in these old buildings.

Anne: No, I don’t think so. It was like… slow footsteps, as if someone was dragging their feet. And then they stopped right in front of the door.

George: Did you open the door to check?

Anne: No! Are you crazy? I stayed still, waiting for them to leave. After a while, the footsteps moved away, but now I’m too scared to leave my room.

George: Damn, Anne. Do you want me to come over? I’m not far.

Anne: No, it’s fine. It’s over now. Besides, you have to wake up early tomorrow, and I know you’re a heavy sleeper. Just… can you stay and talk to me for a while? To calm me down...

George: Of course, no problem. What do you want to talk about?

Anne: I don’t know… tell me something. How was the movie you watched?

George: It was a horror movie, just what you needed to calm down, right? Haha. Nah, it was a comedy. Nothing special, but it kept me entertained.

George: I already had dinner too, and just resting a bit…

Anne: That’s good… Hey, George, can you do me a favor?

George: Sure, tell me.

Anne: Can you call me? I heard another noise in the kitchen, and I don’t want to be alone. Hearing your voice might make me feel safer… I’m sorry, I know it’s silly… but it would help… I’m really scared right now...

George: Of course! I’ll call you right now.

[Missed call]

George: Anne, I called you, but you didn’t answer. Is everything okay?

Anne: Yes, sorry. I was checking the kitchen. There’s nothing, but I swear I heard something.

George: What??

Anne: You’re going to think I’m crazy, but it sounded like someone was rummaging through the cutlery drawer…

George: Where do you keep the knives?

Anne: Exactly!

George: Are you sure you don’t want me to come over? I don’t mind waking up early. I’ll make up for it tomorrow...