My family turned the garage into two bedrooms. Mine has no windows—just a door that lets in light during the day. I didn’t mind the darkness. I actually liked it. No sun in my face, no need for curtains.

I had the room to myself. No one wanted to share it anyway. I liked staying up late—watching anime, gaming, and chatting with friends.

One night, I finally shut everything off around 3 AM. Just as I was drifting off, I heard a soft purring sound by the door. I figured it was the neighbor’s cat. It would go away.

But it didn’t.

The purring grew louder. It turned into a cry. Then, as I sat up and listened—really listened—I heard it.

“Open,” it cried.

My blood went cold. I jammed my headphones on and tried to sleep.

But it happened again. And again. Three nights in a row.

I told my mom. She said to ignore it.

I tried.

Even my sister in the next room heard it.