Apartment #13

Prologue

Disclaimer:

This is a work of fiction. 

Names, characters, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. 

Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.

Prologue

The atmosphere did not feel right. Not to her. 

There was a somewhat prickling sensation to her skin, making her flinch with every step. As if an unrecognised force was swirling around her, warning her to leave that place before it was too late. 

She continued though, casting her wild thoughts aside, for she did not believe in paranormal existences or anything of that sort.

As she inspected each room meticulously, she could sense something tracking her down, following her, about to pounce on her any moment. Like she was the prey and it was the predator. Many a time she would halt for a moment, turning around nervously to see if anything was behind her. 

And many a time there was nothing but the stretch of the empty hallway behind her. It was a tremendous relief, but also a subtle hint, as whatever it was that she could not catch a glimpse of, it might be anywhere around her. The most dangerous things are those that cannot be seen, she reminded herself. 

Remaining vigilant, she strode into the last room. Pushing the creaky door open as gently as she could, a voice rang out, "So, how's the apartment looking?"

Startled, she shifted her gaze to the petite figure leaning against the apartment door. It was the housing agent that she had an appointment with. Having been so absorbed by her own thoughts, she forgot the agent's presence. 

"It's... It's not bad, really. I... I like it," she let the lie slip out of her mouth. It really was not, but she had no choice. She had to live somewhere after all. 

A look of satisfaction flashed across the agent's face, but was soon replaced by the agent's usual, standard smile. "I'm glad that you like it. Just a little registration you need to do before moving in."

Holding stiffly on to the documents that the agent handed over to her, all she could think of was getting herself out of that wretched apartment unit. Even when she knew that she was going to move in sooner or later. 

The road lamps radiated a soft amber glow that complemented the gentle night breeze in perfect harmony.She made herself comfortable in her driver's seat, leaving the papers aside. 

Starting up the engine of her car, she squinted. Was it...? She could not make it out clearly.

Something in the apartment flickered as the Mini disappeared into the distance. 

Apartment #13, 7.oo p.m.