Page 109 of Trick or Stalk

I focus on the television. “It's a movie.”

Penny looks at me.

“I feel like I’m going crazy.”

She continues staring.

“Don’t judge me.”

The masked man disappears from the screen.

The heroine approaches the window.

“Don't do it.”

She keeps walking.

“Seriously. Don't.”

She pulls back the curtain.

I tense.

Nothing is there.

I release the breath I didn't realize I was holding.

Then the masked man slams against the glass.

I scream. Popcorn flies everywhere. “Jesus fucking Christ!”

Penny launches off the couch, barking.

My heart pounds.

She races toward the window.

“Penny!”

She stops several feet from it. Her body goes rigid.

My smile disappears. “Penny?”

A low growl rumbles from her as she stares at the window.

Every hair on my arms rises. “No.”

She growls again.

I stare at the rain-soaked pane.

The movie continues playing. Someone screams.

I grab the remote and pause it.

Silence settles over the room.

Penny doesn't move.