CHAPTER 15 — THE APARTMENT
Derek walked down the quiet hallway of his apartment building.
It was late in the evening. The lights above him flickered slightly as he approached his door.
Derek stopped in front of his apartment.
He pulled out his keys and unlocked the door.
CLICK.
Derek opened the door and stepped inside.
He closed it behind him and dropped his keys onto a small table near the entrance.
Derek sighed.
Derek: "Finally... home."
He took off his jacket and placed it over the back of a chair.
The apartment was quiet. Nothing unusual seemed to be happening.
Derek walked into the living room and looked around.
Derek: "Tomorrow I'm supposed to work on that skyscraper blueprint."
He sat down on the couch and leaned back.
Derek: "I really don't feel like doing anything tonight."
He grabbed the remote and turned on the television.
The screen came to life, filling the apartment with light.
Derek watched the news for a few seconds.
News Reporter: "Authorities are still investigating the strange incident that occurred earlier today. Officials have not yet released any information concerning the cause of—"
Derek suddenly stopped watching.
Something had caught his attention.
There was a faint sound coming from somewhere inside the apartment.
Derek slowly turned his head.
Derek: "...What was that?"
He stood up from the couch.
The apartment became completely silent.
Derek looked toward the hallway.
Derek: "Hello?"
No answer.
Derek took a few careful steps forward.
Then—
BANG!
A loud noise came from the other room.
Derek immediately froze.
Derek: "What the hell?"
He stared toward the room.
Then he slowly began walking toward it.