Chapter 2: Shadows in the Apartment

Gold Chain Guy from 2B was dead.

The building buzzed with gossip. Neighbors whispered in the hallways, police tape fluttered across his door. The whole place felt tense, like the air before a thunderstorm.

He’d died in his own master bedroom. Alone.

The paramedics wheeled out his body on a stretcher, his gold chain still gleaming against his chest.

The coroner called it a sudden heart attack. No warning, no time.

No one seemed surprised—he was a big guy, not exactly the picture of health. But something about it felt off. Like there was more to the story.

But he died in a bizarre pose—his whole body tense, fingers dug into the sheets, eyes staring wide at the ceiling.

Rumor spread fast—someone said he looked like he’d seen the devil himself. The image stuck with me, unsettling and vivid.

Like something terrifying was up there. Waiting.

And just one wall away, above him, was my bed.

I pictured myself lying there, oblivious, while something unspeakable happened just feet away. My skin prickled with fear.

That position—it was like he was…

Staring at me!

The thought sent chills down my spine. I shivered, hugging myself.

I didn’t dare sleep in the master bedroom anymore. No way.

That night, I dragged my pillow and blanket into the smaller room, locking the door behind me. I left the lights on, telling myself it was just for Duke’s sake.

I moved into the smaller room. It was cramped, but somehow safer. The window overlooked the parking lot, and I kept it cracked open, needing the fresh air.

Since I got out of lockup, Autumn had been staying with me. I wasn’t sure how I felt about it.

She set up her toothbrush next to mine, stocked the fridge with my favorite snacks, and left little notes on the mirror. It should’ve felt comforting, but something was off. Something I couldn’t put my finger on.

Thank goodness for her. I wasn’t so scared with her around. Or at least, I told myself that.

She’d curl up beside me at night, her hand on my chest, steadying my heartbeat. I tried to believe everything would be okay.

But Duke was acting up again. I figured maybe he’d been cooped up too long and just needed a walk. That’s all it was. Had to be.

He whined at the door, pacing in circles, nails clicking on the hardwood. I grabbed his leash, hoping some fresh air would help.

But as soon as he saw me, he got agitated again, barking nonstop, refusing to let me put his leash on. He wouldn’t let me near him.

He bared his teeth, tail tucked, eyes wild. He’d always been my shadow, loyal and goofy. Now he looked at me like I was a stranger.

He hadn’t touched the food I’d given him the day before. Not a bite.

His bowl was untouched, water barely sipped. I knelt beside him, worry gnawing at my gut. What was going on?

“Duke, what’s wrong with you?” I whispered, voice shaking.

I tried to calm him, but it only made him more frantic. His nails scratched the floor, his breath coming fast.

My voice shook as I reached for his collar. He snapped at the air, whining, then darted away. He’d never done that before.

Suddenly, he went limp, flopped on the floor, and started whining. My heart dropped.

A cold shiver ran down my back. I hugged myself, feeling the chill creep in.

The room felt colder, shadows stretching across the floor. I glanced over my shoulder, heart pounding in my ears.

I turned around. It was Autumn. She was just standing there, watching.

She stood in the doorway, eyes fixed on Duke, lips pressed in a thin line. The air around her seemed to chill. I felt my skin prickle.

“Autumn, is Duke sick? I should take him to the vet.” I tried to keep my voice steady, but it shook.

I told her my worries, voice low, hoping she’d have some answer.

She walked over—her footsteps so light, no wonder I never heard her coming up behind me. She knelt beside Duke. He pressed himself to the floor, still whining. Wouldn’t look at her.

Her touch was gentle, but Duke shivered, eyes rolling back. I swallowed, uneasy.

“Duke, be good.”

She patted his head, and he instantly quieted down. Like magic.

Her hand lingered on his fur, and Duke’s whining faded to a whimper. He lay still, eyes closed. Not asleep—just still.

“See? He’s fine now,” Autumn said, her voice soft but with an edge that made me shiver.

Her voice was gentle, but there was something almost commanding in her tone. I forced a smile, hoping she was right, but my stomach twisted.

“But he’s not eating.” I couldn’t let it go.

Duke was a golden retriever—fat, playful, and in five years, he’d never acted like this. Not once.

He used to wolf down his food before I even set the bowl down. Now, he just stared at it, tail still. No wag, no nothing.

“Duke, eat something, or Dad’s gonna worry,” Autumn coaxed, her voice suddenly sweet.

Duke immediately buried his face in his bowl and scarfed down the food.

He ate so fast he choked, then licked the bowl clean. I blinked, stunned. Was this even my dog?

I was floored. This dog listened to Autumn way too well. I’d only left him for a few days, and now he was like this with me? No loyalty at all.

I laughed, but it sounded hollow. “Traitor,” I muttered, ruffling his ears. He flinched away, making me feel even worse.