I took a deep breath and looked through the peephole.
And saw them.
Oh God—it's just my friends.
My breath finally began to steady.
I twisted the knob and opened the door.
"Hey girl! Why've you been absent for two days?" one of them asked. "We came to check on you after hearing about the recent incidents."
"Oh, I see… I've just been feeling a little sick, that's all," I replied, trying to sound casual.
"Yeah, bro, you look off. Your face really shows it," Serah said, concerned.
I tried hard to act normal.
Then they said, "We're throwing a party tonight—just a small one. A bunch of friends from college will be there."
For the first time in days, I felt a sense of relief.
Being around people again made me feel safer—less alone.
We started getting things ready. It wasn't a big fancy party or anything—just some chilling with friends, music, snacks, and laughter.
College friends began showing up, one by one.
Everything was going smoothly…
Until the doorbell rang.